Ritual Practices in Shinto

Ritual practices in Shinto are essential for connecting with the divine. They often involve offerings, purification, and dances. Key rituals include visiting shrines, where believers present food or money to kami (spirits), and undergoing purification rites like washing hands and rinsing the mouth. Festivals, known as matsuri, celebrate seasonal changes and involve processions, traditional music, and dance. These practices foster a sense of community, respect for nature, and gratitude toward the kami, reflecting the core Shinto belief in the sacredness of life and the interconnectedness of all things.