neteisingai

Neteisingai is a term used in Shinto to describe a type of ritual or practice that is of minor or unimportant significance. The term itself roughly translates to "unimportant" or "non-essential" in English. However, in the context of Shinto, neteisingai refers to a ritual or practice that does not directly pertain to the main deity or focus of a shrine.

Neteisingai often includes activities that are considered useful or beneficial for the daily life and well-being of the community, such as agricultural festivals, seasonal rituals, or events celebrating visits from deities in other shrines. These practices serve as a form of prayer and application for the assistance and blessings of the deities in various aspects of community life.

Examples of neteisingai can be found in various Shinto techniques, such as the purification of ritually contaminated areas and confidentiality ceremonies that are attributed to the divine and not particularly humble. In other instances, it may manifest itself in seasonal agricultural rituals.

The term neteisingai should not be confused with a concealed or disguised sort when describing hidden rituals considered irrelevant to understanding the significance and meaning of the activity. Netseisingai, rather, illustrates secular traits that coexist with the performance of ceremonies according to mythical custom.