御幣 · ごへい · ritual

gohei

Ritual implement made of wooden or paper strips served to kami.

Definition

Gohei is a Shinto ritual implement consisting of wooden sticks or branches, typically adorned with white paper streamers (shide). Used in various ceremonies, gohei symbolizes the purity and the direct communication with kami. The presence of gohei at altars or during offerings accentuates the sacred nature of the rituals and reflects the belief in the kami's presence within the offerings.

Etymology

The term 'gohei' is derived from 'go' (honorable) and 'hei' (strip), indicating its esteemed function in rituals.