The “imagined flow of water” shared by local communities as seen in sacred site locations

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The 'imagined flow of water' shared by local communities, alongside actual physical water systems, plays a crucial role in determining the location and sanctity of sacred sites, and can influence both local societies and broader political contexts. Novelty: ClaimNovelty.NOVEL_FINDING. Consensus alignment: ConsensusAlignment.NEUTRAL.

Nahoko SHIMADA

doi:10.4145/jahs.56.53

May 25, 2026Journal of Japanese Association of Hydrological SciencesOpen Access

The “imagined flow of water” shared by local communities as seen in sacred site locations

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Key Points

The aim is to demonstrate how water flow, particularly 'imagined water flows', influences the locations of sacred sites in local communities.
Case studies from Laos examining sacred site locations in highland and lowland areas
Analysis of actual water systems alongside imagined flows in determining site significance
Historical overview of site relocation in Kyoto post-Meiji Restoration to maintain sacredness
Imagined water flows significantly influence the formation of sacred site locations based on community perceptions.
Both actual water systems and imagined flows are found to affect site positioning in the studied communities.
Historical context reveals the relationship between imagined flows and political actions regarding sacred spaces.

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Implication

Examines the impact of imagined water flows on the location of sacred sites in local communities, suggesting a connection to societal influences.

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Nahoko SHIMADA (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6a17daf83fad632b0f9d7c76 https://doi.org/10.4145/jahs.56.53

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The “imagined flow of water” shared by local communities as seen in sacred site locations

Key Points

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Implication

Abstract

Discussion

Cite This Study

The “imagined flow of water” shared by local communities as seen in sacred site locations

Key Points

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Implication

Abstract

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Cite This Study

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