神田明神 寒中禊ぎ（平成27年1月） Kanda-Myojin Shrine Cold-Water Purification Ritual (Jan. 2015)

What are the important elements related to a solemn ritual in which is the core of a festival?

The 4 main items are Harae 祓え, Misogi 禊, Norito 祝詞, and Naorai 直会.

“Purification, called “harae” in Japanese, is essential in Shinto because mental and physical purity are deemed of utmost importance before the kami. Purification is intended to recover mental and physical purify by removing all pollution, unrighteousness and evils.”

Typically for personal prayers salted water is often omitted during the Harae, but the presence of the Ōnusa remains consistent.

“The Japanese people have traditionally believed that they can purify and revitalize themselves by letting bad things flow away with water. This belief has led to the expression of “let’s throw bad things into water” or “let bygones be bygones,” 水に流す even if they don’t actually do the Misogi purification with water, and to a non-vindictive attitude towards the bad relations or events of the past.”

Priests and devout followers will usually purify in a river, or the sea. The simplest version is washing the hands and the mouth, at shrines this is done at the temizuya.

“…according to an ancient belief, beautiful, correct wording will bring about good, whereas ugly, ill-chosen language can cause evil. This belief is based on the concept of kotodama 言霊 which means that words have spiritual power. Thus, the prayers are expressed in the elegant, classical language.”

Personally I don’t think the kami have any issues with language, but the continued used of Classical Japanese in norito is something that will remain regardless. And it’s a good idea to learn how to recite the norito in their native tongue if you’re using them.

“The difference between such prayers and the sutra-chanting in Buddhism is that in the latter, neither bonzes nor believers can change the fixed wordings of the sutras, while in Shinto prayers the priests are free to compose their own if they so wish, though they can use model prayers drafted and compiled by the JInja Honchō (Association of Shinto Shrines) when necessary.”

Order of prayers: Open with words of praise to the kami, reference the origins of the festival/ritual, list the offerings, express gratitude, make requests to the kami, close with words of respect.

The naorai is the banquet at the end of prayers, due to covid a lot of shrines actually stopped doing these. And depending on the prayers you’re doing it’s still not quite back in full use if you aren’t a parishioner of the shrine. As described in A Year in the Life of Shinto Shrine, it’s a way for followers to return to the mundane after a high tension ritual.

Mikoshi (shin-yo) 神輿 and Dashi 山車

“Photo A shows a portable shrine (mikoshi/shin-yo) and photo B. Shows floats (dashi). The portable shrine (mikoshi/shin-yo) is a planquin usually in the shape of a small shrine, on which the kami spirits ride and move in a festival (matsuri). It is usually shouldered by many people, but sometimes is carried by a truck. Several portable shrines will parade the streets in a big festival.

The float (dashi) is a low platform on wheels with various decorations to be carried in a festival, and the floats of Gion-matsuri (called Yamaboko 山鉾) are most famous. The float is also called danjiri ダンジリ in Osaka.”

Rituals for protection from misfortune 厄除祭

“These rituals are performed at Shinto shrines to ward off misfortunes at critical ages at the request of the visitors. The critical ages are generally 25 and 42 for men, and 19 and 33 for women by the traditional Japanese system of reckoning ages ①, being considered at which people should be careful because they may often have misfortunes. The critical ages were originally advocated by Onyōdō (Onmyōdō), influenced by Chinese way of Yin and Yang, while nowadays people visit Shinto shrines to ask for prayer to prevent misfortunes in those ages.”

① In this system they are one year old at birth, adding one year every New Year

Shinto, often referred to as "the way of the gods," is the indigenous spirituality of Japan. Unlike many Western religions, Shinto does not have a single founder, sacred texts, or a formalized set of doctrines. Instead, it is characterized by a reverence for nature, the worship of kami (spirits or deities), and practices that emphasize purification and rituals. Here’s an exploration of the key principles and ideas within the philosophy of Shinto:

1. Reverence for Nature

Nature as Sacred: In Shinto, nature is considered sacred and imbued with spiritual significance. Mountains, rivers, trees, rocks, and other natural features are often seen as manifestations of kami.

Harmony with Nature: Living in harmony with nature is a central tenet. This involves respecting and protecting the natural environment, recognizing it as the dwelling place of the kami.

2. Kami (Spirits or Deities)

Multiplicity of Kami: Shinto recognizes a vast number of kami, which can be spirits of natural objects, ancestors, or deified historical figures. Kami are not all-powerful gods but rather spirits with specific roles and localities.

Interconnection with Kami: The relationship between humans and kami is one of mutual respect and care. People perform rituals and offer prayers to kami to seek their blessings, protection, and guidance.

3. Ritual Purification

Purification Practices: Purification, or misogi, is a fundamental aspect of Shinto. It involves cleansing oneself of impurities and pollutants to maintain spiritual and physical purity. This can be done through washing, rituals, or even symbolic acts.

Rituals and Festivals: Shinto rituals and festivals (matsuri) are numerous and diverse, often held at shrines dedicated to various kami. These ceremonies reinforce the connection between the community and the kami, celebrating seasonal changes, agricultural cycles, and significant life events.

4. Shrines and Sacred Spaces

Shinto Shrines: Shrines, or jinja, are the focal points of Shinto worship. They are considered the homes of the kami and are places where people can go to offer prayers, perform rituals, and seek blessings.

Torii Gates: The iconic torii gates mark the entrance to sacred spaces, symbolizing the transition from the mundane to the sacred. Passing through a torii gate signifies entering a space where the kami dwell.

5. Ancestral Worship

Respect for Ancestors: Ancestral worship is an important component of Shinto. Families honor their ancestors through rituals and offerings, believing that deceased family members continue to influence and protect the living.

Continuity and Connection: This practice underscores the continuity of life and the interconnectedness of generations. Ancestors are seen as integral to the family's ongoing spiritual wellbeing.

6. Syncretism with Other Beliefs

Integration with Buddhism: Shinto has historically coexisted and intertwined with Buddhism in Japan. Many Japanese people practice both religions, incorporating elements of each into their daily lives and rituals.

Adaptability: Shinto’s flexibility and lack of rigid doctrines allow it to integrate other spiritual and philosophical traditions, adapting to the evolving cultural landscape.

禊 / Misogi