What is a Shinto wedding called?
Shinzen kekkon, literally “wedding before the kami,” is a Shinto purification ritual that incorporates the exchange of sake between the couple before they are married. The ceremony typically takes 20 to 30 minutes. The priest will purify the shrine and call the attention of benevolent spirits, or kami.
What is the wedding traditions of Japan?
The most popular tradition during a Shinto-style wedding is the exchange of nuptial cups, which is called san san ku do. San means three and ku means nine. So san san ku do means three, three, and nine. The groom and bride drink sake three times each, from three different-sized sake cups called sakazuki.
How does a Buddhist wedding work?
The partners show reverence to the Buddha by making offerings at an altar, or statue in his image. They might also visit a temple as part of the ceremony and perform rituals there. Most couples will light candles or incense, and present beautiful packages of food and flowers to the Buddha.
Can Shinto priests get married?
Shinto priests perform Shinto rituals and often live on the shrine grounds. Men and women can become priests, and they are allowed to marry and have children. Priests are aided by younger women (miko) during rituals and shrine tasks. Miko wear white kimono, must be unmarried, and are often the priests’ daughters.
What happens at a Shinto wedding?
A Shinto wedding is a small-scale affair involving the couple, their family and their close friends. In many, weddings rings are exchanged. This is followed by a sacred dance performed by the miko. The ceremony ends with an offering of tamagushi (a sacred branch) and a ritual sharing of sake by everyone present.
How does a Shinto wedding go?
Japanese Wedding Ceremonies A Shinto wedding ceremony starts with the priest offering prayers to the gods. The couple is purified, and the groom gives his oath to the bride. The couple partakes of “san-san-kudo.” This is literally, 3 x 3 = 9. The bride and groom share three nuptial cups of sake.
Do Japanese wear wedding rings on their right hand?
In Japan, the wedding ring is generally worn on the ring finger of the left hand, but in some parts of the world, wedding rings are worn on a different finger than the ring finger of the left hand. Even in Japan, there are no strict rules, and it is not necessary to wear your wedding ring on a specific finger.
Is Shinto a closed practice?
As a pagan, I know that Shintoism is a closed religion, meaning that you have to be initiated by one who practices it.