Kamidana

File:Kamidana.jpg}} and {{transl|ja|shide}}]]

{{nihongo3|{{lit|god/spirit-shelf}}|神棚|Kamidana}} are miniature household altars provided to enshrine a Shinto {{transl|ja|kami}}. They are most commonly found in Japan, the home of {{transl|ja|kami}} worship.Basic Terms of Shinto, Kokugakuin University, Institute for Japanese Culture and Classics, Tokyo 1985

The {{transl|ja|kamidana}} is typically placed high on a wall and contains a wide variety of items related to Shinto-style ceremonies, the most prominent of which is the {{transl|ja|shintai}}, an object meant to house a chosen {{transl|ja|kami}}, thus giving it a physical form to allow worship. {{transl|ja|Kamidana shintai}}{{efn|Shinto shrines also enshrine a {{transl|ja|shintai}}, which can however be of a kind not normally used for {{transl|ja|kamidana}}, for example a sword, a statue or a spur.}} are most commonly small circular mirrors, though they can also be {{transl|ja|magatama}} jewels, or some other object with largely symbolic value. The {{transl|ja|kami}} within the {{transl|ja|shintai}} is often the deity of the local shrine or one particular to the house owner's profession. A part of the {{transl|ja|kami}} ({{transl|ja|bunrei}}) was obtained specifically for that purpose from a shrine through a process called {{transl|ja|kanjō}}.{{cite book |last=Bocking |first=Brian |date=1997 |title=A Popular Dictionary of Shinto |location=Lincolnwood, Illinois |publisher=NTC Publishing |isbn=9780844204253 |oclc=36977290}}

Worship at the {{transl|ja|kamidana}} typically consists of the offering of simple prayers, food (e.g., rice, fruit, water) and flowers. Before worshipping at the {{transl|ja|kamidana}}, it is ritually important for family members to cleanse their hands or mouth.

{{transl|ja|Kamidana}} can also be found in some traditional Japanese martial arts dojos.

Acquisition and care

A household {{transl|ja|kamidana}} is typically set up in one's home to enshrine an {{transl|ja|ofuda}}, a type of charm. Both {{transl|ja|kamidana}} and {{transl|ja|ofuda}} can be obtained at any large Shinto shrine. {{transl|ja|Ofuda}} by themselves can be displayed on a counter or anywhere visible, provided that they are kept in their protective pouches. However, when an {{transl|ja|ofuda}} is enshrined in a {{transl|ja|kamidana}}, there are several rules which must be followed to ensure proper installation.

First, a {{transl|ja|kamidana}} cannot be set up on the ground or at eye level. It must be above an ordinary person's eye level.
Second, a {{transl|ja|kamidana}} cannot be set up over an entrance; it must be built into a space which people will not walk under.
Finally, when an {{transl|ja|ofuda}} is enshrined in a {{transl|ja|kamidana}}, after removing the pouch it is customary to leave an offering of water, liquor, or food in front of the {{transl|ja|kamidana}}, which should be renewed regularly. Water, for example, is stored in a small, droplet-shaped vessel called a {{transl|ja|mizutama}}.{{Cite web|url=https://library.artstor.org/#/asset/SS36617_36617_32702751;prevRouteTS=1543259656534|title=Artstor|last=Artstor|website=library.artstor.org|language=en|access-date=2018-11-26}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.britishmuseum.org/research/collection_online/collection_object_details.aspx?objectId=3800341&partId=1&images=true|title=altar|website=British Museum|language=en-GB|access-date=2018-11-26}}

These rules apply both to one's household and to martial arts dojos.

{{transl|ja|Ofuda}} are replaced before the end of each year. However, {{transl|ja|kamidana}} can be kept in one's house until they are no longer usable.

Examples

File:Kamidana2.jpg|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 {{transliteration|ja|kamidana}}

File:Kamidana with kagamimochi offering by shig2006 in Hitachinaka.jpg|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 {{transliteration|ja|kamidana}}

File:Toei Uzumasa-0347.jpg|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 {{transliteration|ja|kamidana}}

File:Name-the-baby&household-Shinto-altar,japan.JPG|alt=A wooden household shrine featuring two tōrō lanterns made of wood, and a piece of paper announcing the name of a baby.|A {{transliteration|ja|kamidana}} celebrating the naming of a baby

File:Sacred straw rope at New Year's,shimenawa,katori-city,japan.jpg|{{transliteration|ja|Kamidana}} with {{transliteration|ja|Jingu Taima}}