Shinto Rituals

- are a central component of most

of the national festivals in Japan.
Performed by male priests,
who are assisted by a female
shrine functionary called a miko.

 Usually just one part of a type of

large public festival called a
matsuri.
Other Shinto rituals are
performed during smaller, more
local or even private festivals.
There are common rituals
performed by individuals when
they visit shrines.

 One enters a shrine, claps

his/her hands to attract the
attention of the kami, bows,
and leaves a small gift as a
form of sacrifice.
Shrine a place of worship and
the dwellings of the kami, the
Shinto "gods".