Cosmiccookie5
Level 0
Out-Of-Character (OOC) Section
In-Game Name:
Cosmiccookie5
Discord Name and Tag:
CosmicCookie#4396
What is your timezone?:
GMT
List any previous bans:
N/A
Do you have a microphone?:
Yes
Describe your activity on the server:
I would say my activity on the server is a solid 8. I'm on every day, whenever I can be, to be able to play. I do attend school but I already am able to balance out the workload, and I would be able to continue this, if I were accepted. As I'm quite determined to get this position.
What position are you applying for?:
Shrine Priest.
What knowledge do you have currently have of Shintoism and are you prepared/willing to learn more about the religion?:
Shintoism is a religion that originated in Japan and is based on the worship of kami, which are spirits or deities that are believed to inhabit natural objects and phenomena. The word "Shinto" means "the way of the gods." It has no known founder or holy text and is characterised by a diverse set of rituals and practices that are centred on shrines, which are sacred spaces where kami are believed to reside. Shintoism is often practised alongside Buddhism in Japan and is deeply entwined with the country's culture and history.
Shintoism is a religion that is primarily focused on the worship of kami, which are spirits or deities that are believed to inhabit natural objects and phenomena. These kami are revered as sacred and are believed to have the power to bring good fortune and blessings to those who honour them. The central practices of Shintoism include the performance of rituals and ceremonies at shrines, which are sacred spaces where kami are believed to reside. These rituals and ceremonies may include offerings of food and other items, as well as acts of purification such as washing or bowing. Additionally, Shintoism also has a strong emphasis on ancestor worship and the importance of family and community. It also has a strong emphasis on natural beauty, and many shrines are located in beautiful natural settings. Shintoism also has no known founder or holy text, and is deeply entwined with the culture and history of Japan.
It is important to note that Shintoism is not a dogmatic religion, and there is a wide range of beliefs and practices within the tradition. It is a way of life, rather than a set of beliefs.
I would be wanting to learn more about the religion, and improve my understanding of it!
What makes you stand out for this role over other applicants?:
I would like to think my determination to learn, and to spread shintoism, shows how much more I could stand out. I've been wanting to apply for a while, and my character is very calm and down to earth, but yet gets his word across. I'm very intrigued to learn more about Japanese culture and I want to show this across the server. Showing that the religion can be interesting and show people the more beautiful meaning of being a priest, as for my experience, we aren't taught a lot about it, meaning that most people were not interested. But I want to be able to catch the attention of others, and invite people up to the shrine, letting them learn about it, and wanting them to get involved themself!
Do you acknowledge you will have to attend mandatory training to be taught more about Shintoism and the according procedures?:
I would be more than happy to attend the training, to gain more knowledge and experience. I want to be able to become a trustworthy and experienced priest, so doing training is something I want to do and will do.
In-Character (IC) Section:
Section 1: Character Details
Characters Full Name:
Leon S. Kester
Characters Title:
Mr
Characters Age:
22
Characters Nationality:
White, British.
Character Phone-Number:
(030) - 598 - 3536
What is your motivation for applying to work at the Monastery:
Leon has always loved religion, since young he had always been involved in religious acts, with his mother being christian, he bought him in that kind of world. But as soon as he had moved to Karakura, He knew he wanted to explore the religious world of Japan. Shintoism caught his eye, and he wanted to explore this further. He is motivated to join due to the beautiful culture and religion. He is wanting to teach others about it, showing them that religion is fun but also important. He wouldn't push his beliefs onto others, but he wants them to know that Shintoism is a very welcoming religion, and is open to anyone to join.
Tell me what history and information you know about the Shinsei Seinari Monastery:
There have been three monasteries built in Karakura's history. The first is Akatera Monastery, which was completely destroyed by fire in 1176. The Kisune Monastery, the current Monastery's predecessor, was constructed in 1228 and lies tucked away in the highlands. The Kisune monastery was destroyed to the point of ashes during the Azuchi-Momoyama Period, same as the first. In the history of this island, this is the second time a monastery has been destroyed by fire. The existing Monastery, which was erected in the Karakura Mountains in 1617 and is still standing today. Built in the Edo Period by various illustrious families under the direction of Kazuya Saiky. Shinsei Seinari is the name given to the current monastery.
Write a letter to the Monastery lead:
To whom this may concern,
I am writing to explain my determination and focus within being a part of the shrine team, and to be along some very unique, fun and interesting people. I am a well mannered gentleman, understanding the consequences of any ill-ended actions. I will keep my mind at peace and perform up to the standards you would expect. I have a positive mindset, and would love to share this with the rest of the community.
Thankyou for looking at my offer, stay safe.
Sincerely, Leon Kester.
Backstory
[Ages 0-11]
Leon grew up in a well contained household, he was brought up to become a Christian by his mother, but he wasn't sure that was the path he had wanted to follow. He was only young and didn't know whether that was his true beliefs. He lived in London, United Kingdom for a lot of his life. He had many friends and family there and was never aware of the sudden change of events when his parents decided to separate. Being young, Leon chose to live with his mother. His mother had many relatives in Japan, Karakura, so at the age of 11, Leon was sent to Karakura to live a new life. Immediately when arriving he made many new friends, he loved the scenery and the culture that it carried. He immediately fell in love.
[Ages 11-18]
At this time, everything was new to Leon, he loved the place but felt alone. He first explored the school, meeting his first ever friend Lily. With her, they both started expanding their friendship group, making more friends around the same ages. Throughout the years, Leon silently studies Religious Education (RE), as he felt empty, not being christian, he wanted something to believe. Leon made friends with august, and cyrus. Two boys who had a real great friendship with leon. Leon then started to learn his new language, Spanish to be able to fit in with his friends and families more. During this time, exams were upcoming. Knowing Leon wanted to study and review religious education, he did some extra tutoring, even speaking to Sora Mirosaki-Lim, one of the known maidens. He sat down with her, asking questions. Wanting to develop his further knowledge and start his new life. He discussed the different roles within the shrine, not only the priest, but learning about what the maidens do, and he made many notes of this.
[Ages 18-21]
Getting into college wasn't easy for Leon but he passed. He took college a lot more seriously, and focused on every bit of paper given to him. He started to study even more into Shintoism. He loved the idea of it. He knew that is what he wanted to do. He officially converted to that religion, going to the shrine more often to show his respect. He wanted to become a priest at this point, and knew he had the information and the wrong holded belief that he could do it.
[Age 22]
He then applied to become a priest, unknowing if he was accepted or not, But he knew this is the path he wanted to go down, and so he handed in his application, waiting for any news that he may hear from!
Section 2: Self-Knowledge Details
What duties do Shinto Priests and Maidens have?:
Shinshoku, a priest in Japan's Shinto faith. The shinshoku's primary duty is to preside over all shrine rituals on behalf of and at the request of worshippers. His primary responsibility is to ensure the continuation of a satisfying relationship between the kami (god or sacred power) and the worshipper through offerings, invoking the kami, and mediating the blessing of the deity to the parishioners. He is not expected to lecture, preach, or act as spiritual leader to his parishioners. The fundamental function of a priest is that of a ritual specialist, someone with specialised and occasionally hidden knowledge of the methods of worship, such as incantations, prayers, sacrifices, songs, and other actions that are thought to mediate between the sacred and profane realms. The institution known as the priesthood, which may consist of several organisations or guilds committed to all or simply some components of the priestly craft, is where the priest obtains this expertise. The priest is distinct from other religious and cultic leaders, such as the magician, shaman (healer and visionary), diviner, or prophet, in that he acquires his specialised expertise from a school for priests.
A priest who serves at a Japanese Shinto shrine is known as a Miko, or shrine maiden. Young female priests are referred to as miko in most cases. Miko have entertained and appeased Shinto deities for millennia by performing kagura (holy dances), performing exorcisms, engaging in divination, and acting as oracles. They were thought to possess magical abilities, and in addition to channelling spirits and doing other tasks as assigned at their designated shrine, they also served as spirit mediums.
To assist the shrine priests in their duties, miko are now tasked with performing kagura and other ceremonial dances on special occasions. At the shrine office windows, miko frequently sells omamori, or lucky charms, or omikuji paper fortunes.
What are the steps needed to be taken at the purification trough before entering the shrine?
Before crossing the Torii, bow first. Depending on how far you have to walk, you will eventually come across a rack where you can "wash your hands" in order to purify oneself. It is the water ablution, which is supposed to wash your impurities away. With your right hand, hold the wooden ladle while covering your left hand with water. To wash them both, repeat the process with the other hand. Additionally, you'll need to wash your mouth once more and rinse it with your left hand. Finally, if you hold the ladle vertically, the water that is still inside will rinse the ladle. After accomplishing this, you can return the ladle to the rack and enter the shrine. You will walk through a pair of sacred stone guards, typically in the shape of lions or dogs, just before arriving at the main shrine (or foxes in the case of the Inari shrine). These are komainu, who guard the sacred location from demons.
How are offerings to a Kami performed?:
You can honour the kami once you are in front of the main shrine:
First, dress nicely and stand up straight. Then, bow twice deeply, clap twice with your hands together, make a wish, and thank the kami (often using the 5 yen coin with the hole). Finally, then bowing again.
Don't pass up the opportunity to obtain your omikuji, or, from the Miko or a nearby box after making a small donation. Your prospects of success in the future with regard to your hopes, relationships, health, and riches in life are predicted by a random fortune on a sheet of paper. If your omikuji displays the "bad luck" symbol, simply tie it to the nearest tree and return home. However, it's a sign that something good will happen to you, so don't be alarmed.
How do you perform a tea ceremony ritual?:
The Japanese tea ceremony is a long-standing custom in Japan. It is a ritualistic way to make and consume green tea, usually in a traditional teahouse with tatami flooring. One of the fundamental goals of the tea ceremony is for the visitors to experience the host's hospitality in a setting different from the hectic pace of daily life. This goal extends beyond simply serving and receiving tea.
A full, ceremonial tea ceremony lasts for many hours and includes a kaiseki course meal at the beginning, a bowl of thick tea in the middle, and a bowl of thin tea at the conclusion. Today's tea ceremonies, however, are typically significantly shorter affairs that only involve drinking a bowl of weak tea. The particular hand gestures that must be used during a tea ceremony are prescribed, and they range slightly depending on the school. Regular travellers are typically not expected to be fully versed in the rules, but understanding the fundamentals outlined below might make the occasion more respectable.
1. Attire required
Stay away from garish clothing and perfumes that detract from the tea experience. Dress modestly, take off any jewellery that might scratch the teaware, and stay away from overpowering scents.
2. Garden
Although many contemporary venues don't have gardens, the traditional tea ceremony location is surrounded by them. The garden is purposefully kept serene and understated to promote a peaceful attitude. Avoid flowers with garish colours or strong fragrances since they are distracting. The path leading to the teahouse is made up of stones of various sizes and shapes. Near the entryway, where guests wash their hands before entering the tearoom, a stone lantern is positioned close to a stone basin.
3. Tearoom
A tatami room is the customary location for the ceremony. Sometimes the entryway for guests is maintained low so that guests arriving must stoop over, signifying humility. A scroll or seasonal flowers are presented in an alcove (tokonoma) in the tearoom as decorative elements. The chief visitor enters the space with a bow, then the other guests follow, taking the seats closest to the alcove. On the tatami floor, visitors should ideally sit in the seiza position. It is customary for visitors to bow once more after taking their positions before looking at the meticulously chosen décor for the event.
4. Getting the tea ready
Usually, the host makes the tea while the guests watch. The tea bowl, sweets container or plate, kettle, brazier, tea whisk (chasen), tea container for the powdered green tea (natsume), tea scoop (chashaku), and tea are the primary pieces of equipment. Each piece of equipment was carefully chosen and placed according to the situation.
5. Savouring the dish and tea
A Japanese sweet is offered before tea and is meant to be consumed before drinking the tea. The front of the tea bowl is facing you as it is positioned on the tatami mat in front of you. Put it on your left palm after picking it up with your right hand. Turn it 90 degrees clockwise with your right hand so that its front is no longer towards you. Place the tea back onto the tatami after taking a few sips. When your tea is finished and you have received it, bow and thank them.
There will be some time left over toward the end of the ritual to lift the tea bowl and examine it. Turn the bowl around once you're done eating so that the front now faces the host. If no one requests more tea, the host may ask if the ceremony should end when the equipment is put back where it was before the ritual began and the tea utensils are washed.
Explain what a Tamagushi, Ofuda and Kagura Suzu is and what they’re used for:
The term "tamagushi," which translates to "jewel skewer," refers to a traditional offering made to Kami-sama. It typically consists of a branch from a sakaki tree or, if none are available, an evergreen branch like a cedar, with shide (a zigzag strip of white rice paper) placed on top and fastened to the leaves. The tamagushi can be bigger and more complex, with red and white cloth, asa (holy hemp fibres), and two shides layered inside. Tamagushi stands in for the genuine hearts and spirits we send to Kami-sama. The evergreen (traditionally sakaki) symbolises our relationship to nature, the natural world, and the physical world as well as the enduring nature of our souls and hearts. Other evergreen trees, such as hinoki and common cedar and cypress, are also regarded as cleansing trees, including sakaki. The shide itself stands for spirit, energy, and the spiritual aspect of our universe. Shide is frequently perceived as resembling lightning, which represents energy or a link to Kami-sama. As a result, it also reflects our connection to the spiritual world, our spirits, and our own divine sparks. The paper's white colour also stands for purification.
A talisman known as an ofuda can be created out of a variety of materials, including paper, wood, fabric, or metal. Fuda is the Japanese word for "slip [of paper], card, or plate." Ofuda are frequently found in Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines and are thought to be endowed with the strength of the deities (kami) or Buddhist figures worshipped there. These amulets are also known as gofu. One may wear certain kinds of ofuda or place them on other parts of the house to achieve specific goals (such as protection from disaster or bad luck, home security, or finding love) (such as gates, doorways, kitchens, or ceilings) Ofuda, which sometimes serve as a more affordable alternative to Buddhist icons and statuary, are thought to be endowed with the spirit and virtue of buddhas, bodhisattvas, or other respected characters of the Buddhist pantheon.
Twelve bells known as kagura suzu are used in the kagura dance. The set consists of three levels of bells: two bells on top, four bells in the middle, and six bells on the bottom, each suspended from a handle in the middle by coiled brass wires. The fruits of the ogatama tree are considered to have served as an inspiration for the bells' form. Suzu () is a general term for little bells that can also refer to two Japanese instruments used in Shinto ritual:
A single, sizable crotal bell with a slit on one side, resembling a sleigh bell.
A portable bell-tree with three layers of tiny crotal bells hung on a spiralling wire.
A robe or ribbons that dangle within the worshipper's grasp may be used to sound the bigger figure, which may be d****d from a rafter in front of a Shinto shrine. During performances of Kagura dances, female shrine attendants (miko) dressed in traditional robes, with white-powdered faces and Heian-period coiffure, hold the smaller suzu on top of a handle.
In-Game Name:
Cosmiccookie5
Discord Name and Tag:
CosmicCookie#4396
What is your timezone?:
GMT
List any previous bans:
N/A
Do you have a microphone?:
Yes
Describe your activity on the server:
I would say my activity on the server is a solid 8. I'm on every day, whenever I can be, to be able to play. I do attend school but I already am able to balance out the workload, and I would be able to continue this, if I were accepted. As I'm quite determined to get this position.
What position are you applying for?:
Shrine Priest.
What knowledge do you have currently have of Shintoism and are you prepared/willing to learn more about the religion?:
Shintoism is a religion that originated in Japan and is based on the worship of kami, which are spirits or deities that are believed to inhabit natural objects and phenomena. The word "Shinto" means "the way of the gods." It has no known founder or holy text and is characterised by a diverse set of rituals and practices that are centred on shrines, which are sacred spaces where kami are believed to reside. Shintoism is often practised alongside Buddhism in Japan and is deeply entwined with the country's culture and history.
Shintoism is a religion that is primarily focused on the worship of kami, which are spirits or deities that are believed to inhabit natural objects and phenomena. These kami are revered as sacred and are believed to have the power to bring good fortune and blessings to those who honour them. The central practices of Shintoism include the performance of rituals and ceremonies at shrines, which are sacred spaces where kami are believed to reside. These rituals and ceremonies may include offerings of food and other items, as well as acts of purification such as washing or bowing. Additionally, Shintoism also has a strong emphasis on ancestor worship and the importance of family and community. It also has a strong emphasis on natural beauty, and many shrines are located in beautiful natural settings. Shintoism also has no known founder or holy text, and is deeply entwined with the culture and history of Japan.
It is important to note that Shintoism is not a dogmatic religion, and there is a wide range of beliefs and practices within the tradition. It is a way of life, rather than a set of beliefs.
I would be wanting to learn more about the religion, and improve my understanding of it!
What makes you stand out for this role over other applicants?:
I would like to think my determination to learn, and to spread shintoism, shows how much more I could stand out. I've been wanting to apply for a while, and my character is very calm and down to earth, but yet gets his word across. I'm very intrigued to learn more about Japanese culture and I want to show this across the server. Showing that the religion can be interesting and show people the more beautiful meaning of being a priest, as for my experience, we aren't taught a lot about it, meaning that most people were not interested. But I want to be able to catch the attention of others, and invite people up to the shrine, letting them learn about it, and wanting them to get involved themself!
Do you acknowledge you will have to attend mandatory training to be taught more about Shintoism and the according procedures?:
I would be more than happy to attend the training, to gain more knowledge and experience. I want to be able to become a trustworthy and experienced priest, so doing training is something I want to do and will do.
In-Character (IC) Section:
Section 1: Character Details
Characters Full Name:
Leon S. Kester
Characters Title:
Mr
Characters Age:
22
Characters Nationality:
White, British.
Character Phone-Number:
(030) - 598 - 3536
What is your motivation for applying to work at the Monastery:
Leon has always loved religion, since young he had always been involved in religious acts, with his mother being christian, he bought him in that kind of world. But as soon as he had moved to Karakura, He knew he wanted to explore the religious world of Japan. Shintoism caught his eye, and he wanted to explore this further. He is motivated to join due to the beautiful culture and religion. He is wanting to teach others about it, showing them that religion is fun but also important. He wouldn't push his beliefs onto others, but he wants them to know that Shintoism is a very welcoming religion, and is open to anyone to join.
Tell me what history and information you know about the Shinsei Seinari Monastery:
There have been three monasteries built in Karakura's history. The first is Akatera Monastery, which was completely destroyed by fire in 1176. The Kisune Monastery, the current Monastery's predecessor, was constructed in 1228 and lies tucked away in the highlands. The Kisune monastery was destroyed to the point of ashes during the Azuchi-Momoyama Period, same as the first. In the history of this island, this is the second time a monastery has been destroyed by fire. The existing Monastery, which was erected in the Karakura Mountains in 1617 and is still standing today. Built in the Edo Period by various illustrious families under the direction of Kazuya Saiky. Shinsei Seinari is the name given to the current monastery.
Write a letter to the Monastery lead:
To whom this may concern,
I am writing to explain my determination and focus within being a part of the shrine team, and to be along some very unique, fun and interesting people. I am a well mannered gentleman, understanding the consequences of any ill-ended actions. I will keep my mind at peace and perform up to the standards you would expect. I have a positive mindset, and would love to share this with the rest of the community.
Thankyou for looking at my offer, stay safe.
Sincerely, Leon Kester.
Backstory
[Ages 0-11]
Leon grew up in a well contained household, he was brought up to become a Christian by his mother, but he wasn't sure that was the path he had wanted to follow. He was only young and didn't know whether that was his true beliefs. He lived in London, United Kingdom for a lot of his life. He had many friends and family there and was never aware of the sudden change of events when his parents decided to separate. Being young, Leon chose to live with his mother. His mother had many relatives in Japan, Karakura, so at the age of 11, Leon was sent to Karakura to live a new life. Immediately when arriving he made many new friends, he loved the scenery and the culture that it carried. He immediately fell in love.
[Ages 11-18]
At this time, everything was new to Leon, he loved the place but felt alone. He first explored the school, meeting his first ever friend Lily. With her, they both started expanding their friendship group, making more friends around the same ages. Throughout the years, Leon silently studies Religious Education (RE), as he felt empty, not being christian, he wanted something to believe. Leon made friends with august, and cyrus. Two boys who had a real great friendship with leon. Leon then started to learn his new language, Spanish to be able to fit in with his friends and families more. During this time, exams were upcoming. Knowing Leon wanted to study and review religious education, he did some extra tutoring, even speaking to Sora Mirosaki-Lim, one of the known maidens. He sat down with her, asking questions. Wanting to develop his further knowledge and start his new life. He discussed the different roles within the shrine, not only the priest, but learning about what the maidens do, and he made many notes of this.
[Ages 18-21]
Getting into college wasn't easy for Leon but he passed. He took college a lot more seriously, and focused on every bit of paper given to him. He started to study even more into Shintoism. He loved the idea of it. He knew that is what he wanted to do. He officially converted to that religion, going to the shrine more often to show his respect. He wanted to become a priest at this point, and knew he had the information and the wrong holded belief that he could do it.
[Age 22]
He then applied to become a priest, unknowing if he was accepted or not, But he knew this is the path he wanted to go down, and so he handed in his application, waiting for any news that he may hear from!
Section 2: Self-Knowledge Details
What duties do Shinto Priests and Maidens have?:
Shinshoku, a priest in Japan's Shinto faith. The shinshoku's primary duty is to preside over all shrine rituals on behalf of and at the request of worshippers. His primary responsibility is to ensure the continuation of a satisfying relationship between the kami (god or sacred power) and the worshipper through offerings, invoking the kami, and mediating the blessing of the deity to the parishioners. He is not expected to lecture, preach, or act as spiritual leader to his parishioners. The fundamental function of a priest is that of a ritual specialist, someone with specialised and occasionally hidden knowledge of the methods of worship, such as incantations, prayers, sacrifices, songs, and other actions that are thought to mediate between the sacred and profane realms. The institution known as the priesthood, which may consist of several organisations or guilds committed to all or simply some components of the priestly craft, is where the priest obtains this expertise. The priest is distinct from other religious and cultic leaders, such as the magician, shaman (healer and visionary), diviner, or prophet, in that he acquires his specialised expertise from a school for priests.
A priest who serves at a Japanese Shinto shrine is known as a Miko, or shrine maiden. Young female priests are referred to as miko in most cases. Miko have entertained and appeased Shinto deities for millennia by performing kagura (holy dances), performing exorcisms, engaging in divination, and acting as oracles. They were thought to possess magical abilities, and in addition to channelling spirits and doing other tasks as assigned at their designated shrine, they also served as spirit mediums.
To assist the shrine priests in their duties, miko are now tasked with performing kagura and other ceremonial dances on special occasions. At the shrine office windows, miko frequently sells omamori, or lucky charms, or omikuji paper fortunes.
What are the steps needed to be taken at the purification trough before entering the shrine?
Before crossing the Torii, bow first. Depending on how far you have to walk, you will eventually come across a rack where you can "wash your hands" in order to purify oneself. It is the water ablution, which is supposed to wash your impurities away. With your right hand, hold the wooden ladle while covering your left hand with water. To wash them both, repeat the process with the other hand. Additionally, you'll need to wash your mouth once more and rinse it with your left hand. Finally, if you hold the ladle vertically, the water that is still inside will rinse the ladle. After accomplishing this, you can return the ladle to the rack and enter the shrine. You will walk through a pair of sacred stone guards, typically in the shape of lions or dogs, just before arriving at the main shrine (or foxes in the case of the Inari shrine). These are komainu, who guard the sacred location from demons.
How are offerings to a Kami performed?:
You can honour the kami once you are in front of the main shrine:
First, dress nicely and stand up straight. Then, bow twice deeply, clap twice with your hands together, make a wish, and thank the kami (often using the 5 yen coin with the hole). Finally, then bowing again.
Don't pass up the opportunity to obtain your omikuji, or, from the Miko or a nearby box after making a small donation. Your prospects of success in the future with regard to your hopes, relationships, health, and riches in life are predicted by a random fortune on a sheet of paper. If your omikuji displays the "bad luck" symbol, simply tie it to the nearest tree and return home. However, it's a sign that something good will happen to you, so don't be alarmed.
How do you perform a tea ceremony ritual?:
The Japanese tea ceremony is a long-standing custom in Japan. It is a ritualistic way to make and consume green tea, usually in a traditional teahouse with tatami flooring. One of the fundamental goals of the tea ceremony is for the visitors to experience the host's hospitality in a setting different from the hectic pace of daily life. This goal extends beyond simply serving and receiving tea.
A full, ceremonial tea ceremony lasts for many hours and includes a kaiseki course meal at the beginning, a bowl of thick tea in the middle, and a bowl of thin tea at the conclusion. Today's tea ceremonies, however, are typically significantly shorter affairs that only involve drinking a bowl of weak tea. The particular hand gestures that must be used during a tea ceremony are prescribed, and they range slightly depending on the school. Regular travellers are typically not expected to be fully versed in the rules, but understanding the fundamentals outlined below might make the occasion more respectable.
1. Attire required
Stay away from garish clothing and perfumes that detract from the tea experience. Dress modestly, take off any jewellery that might scratch the teaware, and stay away from overpowering scents.
2. Garden
Although many contemporary venues don't have gardens, the traditional tea ceremony location is surrounded by them. The garden is purposefully kept serene and understated to promote a peaceful attitude. Avoid flowers with garish colours or strong fragrances since they are distracting. The path leading to the teahouse is made up of stones of various sizes and shapes. Near the entryway, where guests wash their hands before entering the tearoom, a stone lantern is positioned close to a stone basin.
3. Tearoom
A tatami room is the customary location for the ceremony. Sometimes the entryway for guests is maintained low so that guests arriving must stoop over, signifying humility. A scroll or seasonal flowers are presented in an alcove (tokonoma) in the tearoom as decorative elements. The chief visitor enters the space with a bow, then the other guests follow, taking the seats closest to the alcove. On the tatami floor, visitors should ideally sit in the seiza position. It is customary for visitors to bow once more after taking their positions before looking at the meticulously chosen décor for the event.
4. Getting the tea ready
Usually, the host makes the tea while the guests watch. The tea bowl, sweets container or plate, kettle, brazier, tea whisk (chasen), tea container for the powdered green tea (natsume), tea scoop (chashaku), and tea are the primary pieces of equipment. Each piece of equipment was carefully chosen and placed according to the situation.
5. Savouring the dish and tea
A Japanese sweet is offered before tea and is meant to be consumed before drinking the tea. The front of the tea bowl is facing you as it is positioned on the tatami mat in front of you. Put it on your left palm after picking it up with your right hand. Turn it 90 degrees clockwise with your right hand so that its front is no longer towards you. Place the tea back onto the tatami after taking a few sips. When your tea is finished and you have received it, bow and thank them.
There will be some time left over toward the end of the ritual to lift the tea bowl and examine it. Turn the bowl around once you're done eating so that the front now faces the host. If no one requests more tea, the host may ask if the ceremony should end when the equipment is put back where it was before the ritual began and the tea utensils are washed.
Explain what a Tamagushi, Ofuda and Kagura Suzu is and what they’re used for:
The term "tamagushi," which translates to "jewel skewer," refers to a traditional offering made to Kami-sama. It typically consists of a branch from a sakaki tree or, if none are available, an evergreen branch like a cedar, with shide (a zigzag strip of white rice paper) placed on top and fastened to the leaves. The tamagushi can be bigger and more complex, with red and white cloth, asa (holy hemp fibres), and two shides layered inside. Tamagushi stands in for the genuine hearts and spirits we send to Kami-sama. The evergreen (traditionally sakaki) symbolises our relationship to nature, the natural world, and the physical world as well as the enduring nature of our souls and hearts. Other evergreen trees, such as hinoki and common cedar and cypress, are also regarded as cleansing trees, including sakaki. The shide itself stands for spirit, energy, and the spiritual aspect of our universe. Shide is frequently perceived as resembling lightning, which represents energy or a link to Kami-sama. As a result, it also reflects our connection to the spiritual world, our spirits, and our own divine sparks. The paper's white colour also stands for purification.
A talisman known as an ofuda can be created out of a variety of materials, including paper, wood, fabric, or metal. Fuda is the Japanese word for "slip [of paper], card, or plate." Ofuda are frequently found in Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines and are thought to be endowed with the strength of the deities (kami) or Buddhist figures worshipped there. These amulets are also known as gofu. One may wear certain kinds of ofuda or place them on other parts of the house to achieve specific goals (such as protection from disaster or bad luck, home security, or finding love) (such as gates, doorways, kitchens, or ceilings) Ofuda, which sometimes serve as a more affordable alternative to Buddhist icons and statuary, are thought to be endowed with the spirit and virtue of buddhas, bodhisattvas, or other respected characters of the Buddhist pantheon.
Twelve bells known as kagura suzu are used in the kagura dance. The set consists of three levels of bells: two bells on top, four bells in the middle, and six bells on the bottom, each suspended from a handle in the middle by coiled brass wires. The fruits of the ogatama tree are considered to have served as an inspiration for the bells' form. Suzu () is a general term for little bells that can also refer to two Japanese instruments used in Shinto ritual:
A single, sizable crotal bell with a slit on one side, resembling a sleigh bell.
A portable bell-tree with three layers of tiny crotal bells hung on a spiralling wire.
A robe or ribbons that dangle within the worshipper's grasp may be used to sound the bigger figure, which may be d****d from a rafter in front of a Shinto shrine. During performances of Kagura dances, female shrine attendants (miko) dressed in traditional robes, with white-powdered faces and Heian-period coiffure, hold the smaller suzu on top of a handle.
