直会 · なおらい · ritual

naorai

Ritual meal shared after worship.

Definition

Naorai is a ritual meal typically shared after performing a Shinto ceremony, acting as both an offering to the kami and a means of communal bonding among participants. This practice emphasizes gratitude and connection to the divine, as well as reinforcing the community spirit among those present. It symbolizes the sharing of blessings received from kami.

Etymology

The term 'naorai' combines 'straight' (直) implying directness and 'meal' (会), denoting its intimate communal aspect.