How to Perform Shinto Purification Rituals

The main religion found in Japan is Shinto. Shinto is practiced in everyday life in Japan and is used for highly specialized ceremonies. The religion's purification ritual is an important part of the belief system. It is vital to all Shinto ceremonies as the Shinto community believes that purification will restore harmony between man, nature and the gods. A Shinto priest performs the ceremony.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Purify the offerings and those in attendance by sprinkling them with clean water before the purification ceremony begins.

2. Bow to the Kami, which represents all deities, to indicate that the ritual has formally begun.

3. Open the door of the shrine and make blessed offerings to the Kami. The sacred offerings should include food from the sea, the river, the plains and the mountains. In addition, the ritual requires food procured from the hands of humans such as rice, sake, salt, fruits and vegetables.

4. Recite a Shinto prayer, called the Norito, describing the meaning of the ritual, and ask for peace and prosperity for all those attending the ceremony and their families.

5. Offer evergreen branches to the Kami with the assistance of an attendant. Hold the branch with both hands, with your right hand nearest the base of the branch. Move the branch clockwise until it faces the Kami and lay it on a table in front of the religious figure. Bow twice, clap twice and then bow once more.

6. Remove the food offerings and close the door of the shrine. Bow to the Kami before leaving to join the others.