A, also called, is a person responsible for the maintenance of a as well as for leading worship of a given .[1] The characters for are sometimes also read as with the same meaning.
Originally, the were intermediaries between and people and could transmit their will to common humans. A was a man capable of miracles or a holy man who, because of his practice of purificatory rites, was able to work as a medium for a . Later the term evolved to being synonymous with - a man who works at a shrine and holds religious ceremonies there.[1] [2]
In ancient times, because of the overlap of political and religious power within a clan, it was the head of the clan who led the clansmen during religious functions, or else it could be another official.[2] Later, the role evolved into a separate and more specialized form. The term appears in both the (680 AD) and (720 AD),[2] where the Empress Jingū and Emperor Sujin respectively become .[3]
Within the same shrine, such as at Ise Jingū or Ōmiwa Shrine, there can be different types of at the same time; these may be called, for example,,, or .[3] [2] are assisted in their religious or clerical work by women called .
can marry, and their children usually inherit their position.[4] Although this hereditary status is no longer legally granted, it continues in practice.[5]
The clothes wear, such as the, the and, do not have any special religious significance, but are simply official garments previously used by the Imperial court.[4] This detail reveals the close connection between worship and the figure of the Emperor.[4] Other implements used by include a baton called and a wand decorated with white paper streamers called .
To become a, a novice must study at a university approved by the, typically Tokyo's Kokugakuin University or Ise's Kogakkan University, or pass an exam that will certify his qualification.[5] Women can also become, and widows can succeed their husbands in their job.[5]
An Onshi or Oshi (御師) is a lower level Shinto priest analogous to a deacon or an acolyte. They are considered between a layperson and clergy.