Rituals
- Most often rituals are performed by male priests who are assisted by a female shrine functionary called a miko, who often is a shaman.
- The most common type of ritual involves purification - symbolically purifying oneself or an object before interacting with the kami (Shinto gods).
- Purification is done with water (rinsing, washing, bathing) or with the priest's wand.
- Other Shinto rituals are performed during smaller, more local or even private festivals. These mark stages of life, such as births, rites of passage in the early years of a child's life, marriages, and funerals.
- Important to remember here is that all these rituals are designed for communication with the gods, or kami.
- Once inside, the kami is summoned with a bell and offered rice or money.
- After which the worshiper bows twice and claps twice to welcome the kami then bows again.