We have covered in the previous post that when it comes to flowers used by the JIA (Japanese Imperial Army) as markers to their hidden Yamashita treasures, their meanings are warnings about dangerous traps lying down ahead.
But when it comes to the leaves as treasure signs, it is the opposite where it provides direction particularly about the portion that you have to dig or the treasure deposit spot.
Why did the JIA use leaves as a marker that provides direction?
This can be explained by studying the physical feature of an ordinary or common plant.
Just like in the image below, we have here a very common type of plant. Now, what do you notice about its leaves?
If you notice, the plant’s leaves are growing “side-ways” which has something to do with the meaning of the leaves as a marker.
The meaning of an engraved leaf marker is “treasure on this side”. This means that the treasure deposit is somewhere nearby the site where you do not need to go any further.
The next question is, “How do you determine which side the leaf marker intends to point?”
If we are going to study the leaf marker closely, its two opposite ends bear the shape of an “arrowhead”. And they are pointing in two opposite directions.
Now we have here two opposite directions so the next question is, “Which of these two directions are you going to follow?”
In most cases, engraved leaf markers are often accompanied by other symbols or signs which determine the direction (arrowhead) that you need to follow.
In this example, let’s say that the engraved leaf marker has a dot at its end. This dot indicates that the treasure deposit is buried on this side or portion.
It is also possible that there can be two dots which can be at the front end and back end of the engraved leaf marker. But what this means is that there are two separate treasure deposits.
How about the distance?
When it comes to engraved leaves as a treasure marker, it is common for the JIA to engrave them in a clear and detailed form that the roots inside are clearly visible. These roots inside the leaves are what determines the distance.
In this example, the engraved leaf marker has six branches. Each branch has an equivalent distance of about 3 feet. Thus, this treasure sign has a total distance of about 18 feet.
Let’s say that in this example, the engraved leaf marker has a dot right on its front end. So starting from the rock where you found this marker going towards the direction indicated by the leaf marker’s arrowhead is its 18 feet distance.
Through the marker’s distance and direction, you can arrive at the digging spot.
But how about when the engraved leaf marker has no roots or branches?
If the leaf marker that you found has no detailed leaf or branches, this means that the side of the object where the marker has been engraved is the digging spot.
Let’s say in this example that you found an engraved leaf marker without detailed roots or branches inside it on a surface of a large rock. This means that right exactly on the side of the rock is your digging spot.
What if the only engraved marker that exists on the surface of the rock is a leaf marker?
If it happens that there are no other symbols that accompany the leaf marker then you have to study both opposite sides of your site.
Let’s say that you decided to work at the back end portion of the engraved leaf marker that you found. By using the distance (18 feet) and direction, you should be able to arrive at the intended digging spot. However, this spot needs to be confirmed by the next treasure marker.
If no marker can be found on the surface then you can dig down to a depth of 5 feet to look for any possible buried markers. But if you still get nothing then it is time for you to stop and head to the opposite side.
Let’s say that you went to the opposite side pointed by the front end of the engraved leaf marker that you found.
Then this time, you found the next marker which finally gives the confirmation that this is the spot that you will dig.