Four Scythes

The scythe crest. Originally, the scythe was considered almost a sacred object in the Suwa shrine. For example, in the Suwa shrines of the provinces of Satsuma, Osumi, and Hyuga, a scythe is usually enshrined as a sacred object. The Suwa Myojin is revered not only as a god of war but also as a wind god. In areas around the Suwa shrine, such as the provinces of Kai, Sagami, Suruga, Kozuke, Echigo, Etchu, Hida, Totomi, Mikawa, Owari, and Mino, there is a custom of tying a scythe to the top of a pole and standing it in the direction from which the wind is blowing to ward off strong winds. (from 'A Study of Crests' by Noda Yusuke)