Cannushi

Kannushi in kariginu clothes and an eboshi hat

Kannushi ( 神主 神主 ) (the original pronunciation is “kamunushi”), also called shinsheku ( 神 職 職 ), is the person responsible for maintaining the Shinto shrine and worshiping the kami . ^{[1] The} characters in the Kannushi can also be read as Jinsu, with the same meaning.

There were four main types of Kannushi — Nakatomi , Imbe , Sarume, and Urabe . The first three were thought to have their pedigree from the gods involved in the extraction of Amaterasu from the grotto. Nakatomi came from Ame-no koyane . Imbe was revered as their ancestor by the deity Ame no futodama . Sarume - Ame-no uzume . The last, fourth genus of Urabe is considered to have separated from the genus Nakatomi (although recent studies show the opposite). The most important was the genus Nakatomi. No less influential was their secular branch, the famous family of Fujiwara . ^[2]

Initially, the Kannushi acted as an intermediary of the Kami, conveying the divine will to mere mortals. ^[3] He was a miracle worker or saint who, through his practice of cleansing rituals, achieved the ability to be a medium for kami. Later, the term “Kannushi” evolved, becoming synonymous with “Shinseku” - a person working in the sanctuary and in charge of religious ceremonies. ^{[1] [4]}

In antiquity, due to the intersection of political and religious power, the head of the clan, who headed the members of the clan during religious ceremonies, acted as a cannus. Sometimes it could be another official. ^[4] Later, the role of kannusi became more specific. The term "kannushi" appears in both Kojiki and Nihon Shoki . ^[4] According to these texts, Empress Jungu and Emperor Suzin became Kannushi. ^[3] There can be several different types of cannus in the same temple. So, for example, in Ise Jingu or Omiva’s sanctuary, one can find o-cannushi ( 大 神主 ) , so-kannusi ( 総 神主 ) and gon-kannusi ( 権 神主 ) . ^{[3] [4]}

Kannushi dressed in jo , accompanied by Miko

Kannushi can marry, and usually their children inherit their position. ^[5] Although this practice does not currently have official status, it still exists. ^[6] Kannushi clothing such as jo , eboshi and kariginu does not have any religious meaning. This is just official clothing used in the past at the imperial court. ^[5] This underlines the close connection between the Kami cult and the emperor’s figure. ^[5] Other items used by the kannushi include the shaku and onus wands. During the performance of the religious rites of the Kannushi, the priestesses of Miko help.

There are six types of vestments of Shinto clergy in total, but the differences between them are not very significant - they all repeat the costume of the medieval courtiers, which consisted of three main elements - an internal underwear, worn over wide trousers and a long-sleeved cape with wide sleeves. Depending on the type of vestment, all these elements are sometimes called differently, but the principle and type remain the same. The official appearance of the clergyman is completed by a black cap on his head and the same black lacquered wooden shoes resembling the shoes of Dutch peasants in size and impressiveness. In his hand he holds a kind of rod - a small board expanding towards the end, which in ancient times served as a symbol of power and public service of its owner. {2}

In order to become a kannushi, a beginner must study at a university approved by Jonja Honjo . Usually this is Tokyo University Kokugakuin . Instead, you can also pass an exam to qualify a candidate. ^[6] Kannushi is allowed to become not only men but also women. At the same time, widows can inherit the position of their late husband. ^[6]