kamidana

Kamidana shintai are most commonly small circular mirrors, though they can also be magatama jewels, or some other object with largely symbolic value. The kami within the shintai is often the deity of the local shrine or one particular to the house owner's profession. A part of the kami (bunrei) was obtained specifically for that purpose from a shrine through a process called kanjō. Worship at the kamidana typically consists of the offering of simple prayers, food (e.g, rice, fruit, water) and flowers. Before worshipping at the kamidana, it is ritually important for family members to cleanse their hands or mouth. Kamidana can also be found in some traditional Japanese martial arts dojos. Historically, kamidana are believed to have been used to display paper emblems (shinsatsu) of the tutelary kami of the local community; in modern practice, they more commonly display the symbols of kami holding a high official rank (shinkai), typically represented by the amulets distributed by the Ise Grand Shrine.

A household kamidana is typically set up in one's home to enshrine an ofuda, a type of charm. Both kamidana and ofuda can be obtained at any large Shinto shrine. Ofuda by themselves can be displayed on a counter or anywhere visible, provided that they are kept in their protective pouches. However, when an ofuda is enshrined in a kamidana, there are several rules which must be followed to ensure proper installation. • First, a kamidana cannot be set up on the ground or at eye level. It must be above an ordinary person's eye level. • Second, a kamidana cannot be set up over an entrance; it must be built into a space which people will not walk under. • Finally, when an ofuda is enshrined in a kamidana, after removing the pouch it is customary to leave an offering of water, liquor, or food in front of the kamidana, which should be renewed regularly. Water, for example, is stored in a small, droplet-shaped vessel called a mizutama. These rules apply both to one's household and to martial arts dojos. Ofuda are replaced before the end of each year. However, kamidana can be kept in one's house until they are no longer usable.

• Illustration — alt=A small pinewood shrine, featuring a plain torii gate decorated with streamers, a small mirror in front of a cup, and a blue daruma doll. A personal kamidana • Illustration — alt=A large, darkwood altar, featuring paper and wooden sticks with kanji tied together with mizuhiki cord, behind two stacked rice cakes with a satsuma balanced on top. A larger household kamidana • Illustration — alt=A large, decorative alcove shrine, with red paper lanterns decorated with black text strung across the top, a miniature torii gate in front and two red daruma dolls at either side. A decorative kamidana • Illustration — alt=A wooden household shrine featuring two tōrō lanterns made of wood, and a piece of paper announcing the name of a baby. A kamidana celebrating the naming of a baby • Illustration — Kamidana with Jingu Taima