Matsuri(Shinto Rites and Festivals)
A variety of rites and festivals (Matsuri) are held throughout the year at Shinto Shrines in Japan. Particularly large festivals are held at the turning points between seasons. In spring rites are held to pray for the successful maturation of that year's rice crops, and in fall similar rites are performed in gratitude for the harvest. In summer, rites are held to ward off pestilence from the crops, and to implore protection from epidemics and other disasters which may afflict the human beings. In winter, festivals are held to re-invigorate the life-force of all things which is believed to be weaken at the close of the year.
At Matsuri, priests recite prayers at the shrine presenting offerings consist of seasonal goods called Shinsen. Following a rite performed in tranquillity and with solemnity, a dance is performed with music at Kaguraden in order to please and comfort deities.
Matsuri (rites and festivals) are offered in thanks and in praise to the deities for their blessings as well as in wishes for all the people to have peaceful and prosperous lives. An individuals prayer can be offered at a shrine, yet, principally in Shinto, a prayer is offered by a community. During Matsuri, various festivities are held with splendor, including traditional performing arts, in which, Japanese aestheticism is flourished.
The Japanese people have transmitted their faith until today, and revigorated their faith with emanation of the time. Matsuri has been always a place of religious communication between Kami and people and cultural communication among people as well.