Plants in religion

thumb|A tamagushi on a table (an (Shinto)|an) during a ceremony thumb|A kannushi holding a tamagushi

A masakaki () is an object used in Shinto rituals. It is put on both sides of a table where the event takes place. A masakaki is made with the branches of a sakaki tree. These branches are attached to the top of cloth banners, which come in five colors - green, yellow, red, white, and blue. These five colors stand for the wuxing (five elements). At funerals, masakaki with yellow and white banners are used.