This made me remember something I saw: ``` The Ise Jingu grand shrine in Mie Prefecture, Japan, is rebuilt every 20 years as part of a tradition that has been

This made me remember something I saw: ``` The Ise Jingu grand shrine in Mie Prefecture, Japan, is rebuilt every 20 years as part of a tradition that has been practiced for around 1,300 years, with some records indicating it could be up to 2,000 years old. This practice is known as Shikinen Sengū, which involves the complete dismantling and reconstruction of the shrine's wooden structures. The purpose of this tradition is not only to preserve the original architect's design against the eroding effects of time but also to maintain a strong sense of divine prestige and to pass building techniques from one generation to the next. The rebuilding process is a significant national event, symbolizing the eternal nature of sanctuaries and the importance of cultural continuity. It is a testament to the enduring value of traditional Japanese artisan skills and the cyclical renewal of sacred spaces. The entire reconstruction process takes approximately 17 years. The wood from the dismantled shrine buildings is recycled and used to construct new Torii gates at the shrine's entrance. Additionally, this wood is distributed for use in other shrines across Japan. ```