Shinto

==={{lang|ja-Latn|Harae}} and {{lang|ja-Latn|hōbei}}===
{{Main|Harae}}
[[File:ItsukushimaBasin7406.jpg|thumb|Shinto rituals begin with a process of purification, often involving the washing of the hands and mouth at the {{lang|ja-Latn|temizu}} basin; this example is at Itsukushima Jinja.]]
Shinto rituals begin with a process of purification, or {{lang|ja-Latn|harae}}.{{sfnm|1a1=Nelson|1y=1996|1p=39|2a1=Bocking|2y=1997|2p=45}} Using fresh water or salt water, this is known as {{lang|ja-Latn|misogi}}.{{sfn|Bocking|1997|p=124}} At shrines, this entails sprinkling this water onto the face and hands, a procedure known as {{lang|ja-Latn|temizu}},{{sfn|Bocking|1997|p=45}} using a font known as a {{lang|ja-Latn|[[temizuya]]}}.{{sfn|Nelson|1996|p=91}} Another form of purification at the start of a Shinto rite entails waving a white paper streamer or wand known as the {{lang|ja-Latn|haraigushi}}.{{sfnm|1a1=Nelson|1y=1996|1pp=39, 46|2a1=Bocking|2y=1997|2p=45}} When not in use, the {{lang|ja-Latn|haraigushi}} is usually kept in a stand.{{sfn|Bocking|1997|p=45}} The priest waves the {{lang|ja-Latn|haraigushi}} horizontally over a person or object being purified in a movement known as {{lang|ja-Latn|sa-yu-sa}} ("left-right-left").{{sfn|Bocking|1997|p=45}} Sometimes, instead of a {{lang|ja-Latn|haraigushi}}, the purification is carried out with an {{lang|ja-Latn|o-nusa}}, a branch of evergreen to which strips of paper have been attached.{{sfn|Bocking|1997|p=45}} The waving of the {{lang|ja-Latn|haraigushi}} is often followed by an additional act of purification, the {{lang|ja-Latn|shubatsu}}, in which the priest sprinkles water, salt, or brine over those assembled from a wooden box called the {{lang|ja-Latn|'en-to-oke}} or {{lang|ja-Latn|magemono}}.{{sfn|Bocking|1997|p=184}}

The acts of purification accomplished, petitions known as {{lang|ja-Latn|norito}} are spoken to the {{lang|ja-Latn|kami}}.{{sfn|Nelson|1996|p=40}} This is followed by an appearance by the {{lang|ja-Latn|miko}}, who commence in a slow circular motion before the main altar.{{sfn|Nelson|1996|p=40}} Offerings are then presented to the {{lang|ja-Latn|kami}} by being placed on a table.{{sfn|Nelson|1996|p=40}} This act is known as {{lang|ja-Latn|hōbei}};{{sfn|Bocking|1997|p=53}} the offerings themselves as {{lang|ja-Latn|saimotsu}}{{sfn|Bocking|1997|p=148}} or {{lang|ja-Latn|sonae-mono}}.{{sfn|Bocking|1997|p=187}} Historically, the offerings given the {{lang|ja-Latn|kami}} included food, cloth, swords, and horses.{{sfn|Cali|Dougill|2013|pp=13–14}} In the contemporary period, lay worshippers usually give gifts of money to the {{lang|ja-Latn|kami}} while priests generally offer them food, drink, and sprigs of the sacred {{lang|ja-Latn|[[sakaki]]}} tree.{{sfn|Cali|Dougill|2013|p=14}} [[Animal sacrifice]]s are not considered appropriate offerings, as the shedding of blood is seen as a polluting act that necessitates purification.{{sfn|Nelson|1996|p=64}} The offerings presented are sometimes simple and sometimes more elaborate; at the Grand Shrine of Ise, for instance, 100 styles of food are laid out as offerings.{{sfn|Nelson|1996|p=40}} The choice of offerings will often be tailored to the specific {{lang|ja-Latn|kami}} and occasion.{{sfn|Bocking|1997|p=170}}

Offerings of food and drink are specifically termed {{lang|ja-Latn|shinsen}}.{{sfn|Bocking|1997|p=170}}
[[Sake]], or rice wine, is a very common offering to the {{lang|ja-Latn|kami}}. {{sfn|Bocking|1997|p=150}} After the offerings have been given, people often sip rice wine known as {{lang|ja-Latn|o-miki}}.{{sfn|Nelson|1996|p=40}} Drinking the {{lang|ja-Latn|o-miki}} wine is seen as a form of communion with the {{lang|ja-Latn|kami}}.{{sfn|Nelson|1996|p=53}} On important occasions, a feast is then held, known as {{lang|ja-Latn|naorai}}, inside a banquet hall attached to the shrine complex.{{sfn|Nelson|1996|pp=40, 53}}

The {{lang|ja-Latn|kami}} are believed to enjoy music.{{sfn|Nelson|1996|p=49}} One style of music performed at shrines is {{lang|ja-Latn|[[gagaku]]}}.{{sfnm|1a1=Nelson|1y=1996|1p=49|2a1=Bocking|2y=1997|2p=33}} Instruments used include three reeds ({{lang|ja-Latn|fue}}, {{lang|ja-Latn|sho}}, and {{lang|ja-Latn|hichiriki}}), the {{lang|ja-Latn|yamato-koto}}, and the "three drums" ({{lang|ja-Latn|taiko}}, {{lang|ja-Latn|kakko}}, and {{lang|ja-Latn|shōko}}).{{sfn|Bocking|1997|p=33}} Other musical styles performed at shrines can have a more limited focus. At shrines such as [[Ōharano Shrine]] in Kyoto, {{lang|ja-Latn|azuma-asobi}} ("eastern entertainment") music is performed on April 8.{{sfn|Bocking|1997|p=8}} Also in Kyoto, various festivals make use of the {{lang|ja-Latn|[[dengaku]]}} style of music and dance, which originated from rice-planting songs.{{sfn|Bocking|1997|p=22}} During rituals, people visiting the shrine are expected to sit in the {{lang|ja-Latn|[[seiza]]}} style, with their legs tucked beneath their bottom.{{sfn|Nelson|1996|p=214}} To avoid cramps, individuals who hold this position for a lengthy period of time may periodically move their legs and flex their heels.{{sfn|Nelson|1996|pp=214–215}}