What is a prayer card?

2022/08/02 column

A bill often seen in temples.
Did you know that it is called a "prayer tag"?
I think there are many people who don't really understand the type and how to decorate the Kamidana.
Here, we will introduce the prayer cards.

▼ What is a prayer card?
A prayer tag is a tag that prays for the prosperity and happiness of your home or company.
The name changes even in temples and shrines.

▼ How to decorate prayer cards
Even if you get a prayer card from a temple, you can enshrine it on the Kamidana.
Both the prayer cards received at the temple and the prayer cards received at the shrine are "prayer cards".
Therefore, it is okay to enshrine it together in the Kamidana.
However, memorial services for ancestors are held at the Buddhist altar.
It depends on the denomination, so if you are interested, please refer to it.

■ When the Kamidana is made by one company
The door becomes one thing.
Stack the bills in the order of Jingu cannabis, Ujigami, and revered shrine.
Please note that temple bills must not be stacked here.
The places of God and Buddha must not be in the same door.
Place a white cloth on the left side facing the outside of the palace.
The temple bills are placed side by side and enshrined on top of keeping them clean.

■ When the Kamidana is made by three companies
There are three doors.
Ujigami is enshrined on the right, Jingu cannabis in the center, and the revered shrine on the left.
Again, the temple bills are not stacked.
Be careful not to worship God and Buddha in the palace (under the same roof).

■ When there is no Kamidana
It's a good idea to enshrine it in a living room where your family can gather, higher than your eyes.
Let's enshrine the direction so that it faces east.

▼ How to dispose of prayer cards
Basically, the bills will be disposed of after about a year.
You can return it to the temple or shrine you received, or you can cook it yourself.

▼ Summary
There are various ways to worship prayer cards, such as places and methods of worship.
It is an important bill that prays for the prosperity and safety of your family and company, so you may want to dispose of it with gratitude when you exchange it.