Fushimi-Inari(3): Why are the torii gates painted in vermillion red?

Why are the torii gates painted in their brilliant shade of vermillion? 

This particular shade of vermillion used for the tori gates—neither a bright red like a ripe tomato, nor the orange color of a ripe orange—gives off a most interesting impression.

 In fact, since ancient times in Japan, it has been believed that the vermillion color can counteract evil magic. 

For this reason, we often see buildings that have been painted with vermillion in ancient palaces, shrines and temples. 

This magical color of the torii gates is believed to represent the power of God in the shrine. 

Another more practical reason for the vermillion shade used for torii gates is to maintain them for longer. 

Vermillion is made from mercury, and mercury has been used as a wood preservative from olden days. 

So, this mysterious color is used not only to fight against evil, but also used to preserve the torii gates themselves.

 For ancient people, this vermillion-dyed wood which does not rot must have seemed like an embodiment of forces that stand against dark magic.