斎詞 · さいし · ritual

saishi

Purified words used in Shinto rituals.

Definition

Saishi refers to the sacred words or phrases uttered during a Shinto ritual, which are considered to have distinct spiritual significance. Used primarily in purification and offerings, saishi serves to clarify the intentions of the worshippers and to communicate with the kami. The usage of saishi emphasizes the importance of language in Shinto practices, where the precise formulation of prayers can significantly impact the connection with the divine.

Etymology

The term derives from 'sai' (purification) and 'shi' (words), stressing the aspects of purity and sacredness.