kamidana

The only vestige of religion in his house is the kamidana, or god-shelf, on which stands a wooden shrine like a Shinto temple, which contains the memorial tablets to deceased relations.

Unbeaten Tracks in Japan Isabella Lucy 2004

The most curious objects to be seen on any ordinary kamidana are the stoppers of the sake-vessels or o-mikidokkuri ( 'honourable sake-jars').

Glimpses of Unfamiliar Japan Second Series Lafcadio Hearn 1877

In nearly all Izumo dwellings there is a kamidana, [8] or 'Shelf of the

Glimpses of Unfamiliar Japan Second Series Lafcadio Hearn 1877

But only the ancient gods of Shinto are worshipped before the kamidana.

Glimpses of Unfamiliar Japan Second Series Lafcadio Hearn 1877

Before the miya, or whatever holy object of Shinto worship be placed upon the kamidana, are set two quaintly shaped jars for the offerings of sake; two small vases, to contain sprays of the sacred plant sakaki, or offerings of flowers; and a small lamp, shaped like a tiny saucer, where

Glimpses of Unfamiliar Japan Second Series Lafcadio Hearn 1877

If several great deities are represented in the miya or upon the kamidana by several ofuda, then a separate lamp is sometimes lighted for each; and if there be a butsuma in the dwelling, its tapers or lamp are lighted at the same time.

Glimpses of Unfamiliar Japan Second Series Lafcadio Hearn 1877

It is never placed so high as the kamidana, but seldom at a less height than three feet above the floor.

Glimpses of Unfamiliar Japan Second Series Lafcadio Hearn 1877

Should any member of the family be thus buried, then during fifty days [12] the kamidana must be entirely screened from view with pure white paper, and even the Shinto ofuda, or pious invocations fastened upon the house-door, must have white paper pasted over them.

Glimpses of Unfamiliar Japan Second Series Lafcadio Hearn 1877

Shinto kakemono, which are also of latter-day origin, representing incidents from the Kojiki, are much more common than Shinto icons: these usually occupy the toko, or alcove, in the same room in which the kamidana is placed; but they will not be seen in the houses of the more cultivated classes.

Glimpses of Unfamiliar Japan Second Series Lafcadio Hearn 1877

The kamidana or 'God-shelf,' upon which are placed the miya and other sacred objects of Shinto worship, is usually fastened at a height of about six or seven feet above the floor.

Glimpses of Unfamiliar Japan Second Series Lafcadio Hearn 1877