A matsuri is a festival. As you saw in the story of Amaterasu being drawn out of the cave, festivals became an important way that the Japanese could interact with the kami. A matsuri is linked to narrative in the religion: Amaterasu is one example, but every kami has its backstory which is used in the matsuri event.

A matsuri is a Shinto ritual that uses narrative depicted in material culture such as floats, and statues of the deity or its symbols. Participants taking major roles in the matsuri must prepare and follow the directions of festival leaders, creating strong social organization bonds.

Matsuri follow a pattern common to most rituals. Victor Turner (1920-1983), an anthropologist, analyzed ritual as having three distinct phases. He called this the “ritual process,” emphasizing the transformative aspect of ritual.

Stage 1: Preparation

During this period, participants train for the event. As the time of the ritual approaches, participants begin to withdraw from their usual life through ritual cleansing, special food or fasting, and by putting on special clothing. They may also study scripture, chant, or do meditation.

Stage 2: Liminal State

During the actual period of the ritual, the ordinary rules of society no longer apply. There is a sense of oneness, with everyone at the same level. People take on different identities.

People take the attitude that whatever happens during the ritual itself is sacred, that is, removed from usual life and relationships. This allows participants to act more freely than in ordinary life without consequences.

Stage 3: Return

At the end of the ritual, people return to ordinary life. By participating in the ritual, however, their status is changed. Many experience a spiritual renewal.