Sake and Shinto: Use in Rituals

In modern times, sake is cherished as a beverage of preference. However, tracing its origins reveals a profound role as a “sacred bridge” connecting gods and humans. Sake is not merely something to be drunk, but something offered with prayer and gratitude. Let us quietly listen to the mystical and important role that sake has played in Shinto rituals and festivals that have continued since ancient times.

The Relationship Between Sake and Shinto

Gods Dwelling in Rice and Water—Ancient Faith

At the foundation of Shinto lies the concept of “yaoyorozu no kami” (eight million gods)—the belief that gods dwell in all things in nature. Sake, nurtured alongside rice cultivation culture, has been considered suitable as an offering to gods as something “pure” born from the natural blessings of rice and water.

Since sake contains no blood, it is considered “without defilement” and ideal for offering before gods. The concept of “shin-jin kyōshoku” (divine-human communion)—where humans also partake of sake offered to gods—evokes a deep spirituality of gods and humans sharing the same space.

“Prayer” Behind Brewing

In sake breweries, at the beginning of brewing, toji (master brewers) visit shrines to pray to the gods for successful brewing and the completion of good sake. Deep in the brewery, a small kamidana (household shrine) is placed, and sake is offered every morning. Facing the invisible process of fermentation, toji have quietly paid reverence, believing “sake is a gift from the gods.”

In years when sake turned out as intended, it’s said “the gods smiled upon us,” and in years when it didn’t go well, it’s accepted as “a trial from the gods”—a faith that seems to nurture sake together with the gods still breathes today.

The Role of Sake in Shrines

”Omiki”—Sacred Sake by Name

Sake offered before gods is called “omiki” and is not merely ordinary sake. It is sake imbued with gratitude and reverence—“receiving a share of what was offered to gods.” It symbolizes sacred communion that mediates between gods and humans.

Some shrines use specially brewed sake for this purpose, and it may also be bestowed as protection against evil or as auspicious items.

Dedication Rituals—Forms of Sincere Offering to Gods

Omiki is poured into white, pure tokkuri (sake flasks) and offered symmetrically before gods. The contents change according to seasons and festivals, and ideally should be replaced morning and evening.

This is not mere formality, but an act that gives visible form to “gratitude to nature and gods.” It is a means to gently deliver people’s prayers to the gods.

Sake Customs Breathing in Rituals

Marriage Ceremonies—Wishes Embedded in San-San-Kudo

The san-san-kudo cups exchanged in Shinto wedding ceremonies. In this ritual where bride and groom alternately share sake from three cups, the combination of “three” meaning “beginning, middle, end” and “nine,” the most auspicious yang number, is used to pledge the couple’s bond before the gods.

Jichinsai and Naorai—Dialogue with Land Gods

In jichinsai (ground-breaking ceremonies) held before building homes or structures, omiki is sprinkled at the four corners of the land for purification rituals. In the subsequent “naorai” (communion), people share the sake offered to gods while expressing gratitude for divine blessings.

Niinamesai—Gratitude for Harvest Embodied in Sake

In the imperial court ceremony “Niinamesai,” where the Emperor personally offers new rice to the gods, sake made from new rice is also offered. This embodies prayers for national peace and abundant harvests.

Setsubun—Dispelling Evil with Beans and Sake

Along with setsubun bean-throwing, some shrines also serve sake. By dispelling evil spirits and partaking of purifying sake, one welcomes the new year’s beginning with refreshed spirit—such meaning is embedded.

Sake Connecting Festivals and Community Bonds

People Carrying Mikoshi and Sake

The scene of men who carried mikoshi (portable shrines) forming circles to share sake after festivals. There lies the joy of people sharing “time spent with gods.” Sake is not merely a beverage but exists like a lubricant deepening community bonds.

Sumo Wrestlers and Gods—Sake Dedicated in Honō Sumo

In honō sumo (dedicatory sumo) performed before gods, victorious wrestlers sometimes offer omiki to the gods. Reporting victory’s joy to gods and sharing it with spectators—here too, sake lives as a medium of gratitude and empathy.

Sake Breweries and Shrines—Sake Nurtured in Places Where Gods Dwell

Breweries Watched Over by Kamidana and Shrines

Many sake breweries across the nation have kamidana or shrines, enshrining “gods of sake brewing” such as Matsuo Taisha and Ōmiwa Shrine. During brewing periods, divine rituals are performed without fail, and the consciousness of nurturing sake together with gods remains strongly rooted today.

Goshuin Sake and Craft Sake—New Forms of Shrines and Sake

In recent years, omiki bestowed by shrines has diversified, with craft sake, amazake, and original-label sake also appearing. They exist like “drinkable amulets” where faith and culture intersect.

Etiquette Before Gods—Arranging the Heart Through Sake

When offering sake, the basic practice is to use white, pure vessels and offer with lids on. Before approaching the gods, one purifies oneself with temizu (ritual hand washing) and approaches with a quiet heart.

Also, in naorai, cups are passed starting from priests and elders, slowly savored with gratitude. Sake is also a ritual for arranging the heart.

Sake and Shinto Culture Breathing in Regions

In Kansai’s Nada region, strict divine rituals befitting Japan’s premier sake region are performed, while in Kanto, cooperation with local breweries produces sacred sake—regional characteristics are deeply reflected. In rural areas, agriculture, Shinto, and sake brewing remain as an inseparable trinity of culture.

Conclusion—Sake Inheriting Prayers

Sake has been deeply connected with Shinto throughout its long history as a “vessel of dialogue” between gods and humans. In each drop lie gratitude to nature, prayers, and human connections. Perhaps the sake we taste in daily life quietly conveys the lingering echoes of ancient prayers.

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For those who want to know more about sake history → Please see History of Sake