New Kamidana / Japanese traditional shelf of Shinto

Until now,I have been used Pachira plants in my Kamidana.

But these are not ideal style.

Because we have to change water of plants every day.

Today,I changed my Kamidana like this.

This style is much better than before.

I can change water in vases every morning.

In Japan,we have to use SAKAKI plants for Kamidana.

But Gardenia is also good because it has stout stem and thick leaves.

You can cut stem with scissors.

But don't cut leaves with scissors.

Glass material is not ideal for Kamidana.

But I couldn't find white pottery vases.

I am going to change these one day.

When you find withered leaf in your Kamidana,

remove it by your hands in morning ceremony.

When you find tiredness in plants,

please change whole both vases plants as soon as possible.

Changing and replacing are important in Kamidana concept.

 I'll tell you about one more important manner in Kamidana.

When you care Kamidana in the morning,

please stand in the side of Kamidana,

(Of course you have to wash your hands and rinse mouth before it)

you bow twice,clap your hands twice, and one bow again.

This is greeting for local area gods.

This manner is same in Japanese Shinto shrine.

Kamidana is home shrine.

So you have to treat Kamidana as Shrine.

Please refer to this article if you want to know more →　True manner in shrine

After the greeting,

change water in small bowl and two vases.

And wash plant's stem with water.

Do not stand in the middle front of Kamidana.

Middle front is not for human.