Festivals
The New Year is an important ceremonial day of worship known as the Shihō-hai. At the beginning of the year Shintos visit a shrine to pray to the kami, expressing their gratitude. This first shrine visit of the new year is called Hatsumode. Typically Shinto priests give a short talk, and then have the congregation share a cup of sake. Bonfires are typically present during these ceremonies as well.
The Spring Festival is mainly centered around the planting of crops. Rissun is celebrated on February 3rd, marking the beginning of spring. It is also known as the "bean-throwing festival" because males go around their homes and scatter roasted beans saying "demons out, good luck in".
The Autumn Festival is held in the late summer/early fall to thank the kami for a good harvest. One significant day of this festival is Niinamesai, celebrated as Thanksgiving in the month of November.
The Annual Festival takes place on different days throughout the year, depending on the Shinto shrine. On this day, a mikoshi (miniature shrine) is carried into the shrine, an event known as the “Divine Procession”. This ceremony follows a specific order, starting with the Purification rites. This is mainly held in the corner of the shrine, as people begin to come in. Next, adoration occurs in which the priest and congregation bow to the altar. Following this event, the inner sanctuary door is ceremoniously opened. Food is then offered to the kami, as well as the congregation. This fare includes: rice, sake, fish, seaweed, vegetables, and a variety of other items. Once the chief priest recites ancient Shinto prayers, sacred music is played, and dance follows. Subsequently, the congregation gives the public symbolic items, like evergreen branches wrapped in white linen. The conclusion of this celebration involves the taking away of offerings and shutting of the inner sanctuary doors. The day ends with a feast known as the naoria.
The Spring Festival is mainly centered around the planting of crops. Rissun is celebrated on February 3rd, marking the beginning of spring. It is also known as the "bean-throwing festival" because males go around their homes and scatter roasted beans saying "demons out, good luck in".
The Autumn Festival is held in the late summer/early fall to thank the kami for a good harvest. One significant day of this festival is Niinamesai, celebrated as Thanksgiving in the month of November.
The Annual Festival takes place on different days throughout the year, depending on the Shinto shrine. On this day, a mikoshi (miniature shrine) is carried into the shrine, an event known as the “Divine Procession”. This ceremony follows a specific order, starting with the Purification rites. This is mainly held in the corner of the shrine, as people begin to come in. Next, adoration occurs in which the priest and congregation bow to the altar. Following this event, the inner sanctuary door is ceremoniously opened. Food is then offered to the kami, as well as the congregation. This fare includes: rice, sake, fish, seaweed, vegetables, and a variety of other items. Once the chief priest recites ancient Shinto prayers, sacred music is played, and dance follows. Subsequently, the congregation gives the public symbolic items, like evergreen branches wrapped in white linen. The conclusion of this celebration involves the taking away of offerings and shutting of the inner sanctuary doors. The day ends with a feast known as the naoria.