常じょう灯とう

noun

continuously burning light; eternal flame

Typically a light kept burning at a Buddhist altar or shrine, symbolizing constant devotion.

• 仏ぶつ壇だんの常じょう灯とうは絶たやしてはいけない。

  The continuously burning light at the Buddhist altar must not be extinguished.

noun

roadside lamp that stays lit all night

Historical or traditional lamp left burning through the night for travelers or as a public service.

• 昔むかしの街かい道どうには常じょう灯とうが置おかれていた。

  In the old days, roadside lamps that stayed lit all night were placed along the highways.