The Shinto Shrine Rituals

Shinto shrine rituals are “aimed, at least in part, at purification and the proper acknowledgement of the wonder of Great Nature.” (Boyd) They are focused on the individual and their exact following of the order, control, and correctness in which these rituals are actually carried out. It can help them clear the pollution that has gathered in their life and the world around them. According to Ono, it was taboo for certain individuals to enter a temple including those who are sick or in mourning, however that is not always the case today. Individuals will visit shrines to perform rituals to ask the kami for special favors, protect themselves or others from evil, and for festivals. In addition, special ceremonies can be held at shrines including weddings and funerals. As per the BBC website, visiting a Shinto Shrine is not a required action on a certain day like in other religions although they can visit frequently.

“The journey that the worshipper makes through the shrine to the sanctuary where the ritual takes place forms part of the worship, and helps the worshipper to move spiritually from the everyday world to a place of holiness and purity.” (BBC) The Shinto shrine ritual traditionally can have more but has at least “four elements: purification (harai), an

This process is to cleanse the body and to prepare for the rest of the process. The individual himself can rinse their mouth and fingers with water or a priest can say a prayer then wave a wand around the body of the person. Another key element of the ritual is the offering. Offerings can traditionally consist of “money, food and drink, material and symbolic objects.” (Ono) Many offering can be given throughout the process. Interestingly, a twig from the Sakaki tree with paper attached can be used for the symbolic offering. These offering are considered very important to please the kami, to gain favor with them and avoid