Shinto Shrine Rituals

Shinto shrine rituals are ceremonial practices that honor kami, the spirits or gods central to Shinto belief. Visitors typically purify themselves at a water basin (temizuya) before entering the shrine. They may offer prayers, make offerings of rice or sake, and clap their hands to attract the kami’s attention. Rituals can include seasonal festivals, weddings, and new year celebrations, fostering community ties and gratitude. The aesthetics of shrines, with their natural settings and simple structures, reflect a deep reverence for nature, emphasizing harmony between humans and the spiritual world.