【Revised Version】Sunday, July 26th, 2015

Today, I went to the Sakitori shrine (前鳥神社); located in the Kanagawa prefecture. This shrine is known for the patron deities/spirits which grant blessings and good fortune for those seeking work. Since paying my respects, I had been successful in my search and I thought I would visit the shrine to offer my gratitude. While preparing to leave, a dilemma arose, as I had to decide on an appropriate outfit. As the weather has been exceptionally warm, something casual was in order but when paying respects a certain amount of formality is expected. Essentially, it boils down to the length of the trousers, doesn’t it? After a brief internal struggle, practicality took over and I decided to go with the more casual look, short pants it was.

     I assuaged/soothed my guilt by the rationale that the priority was to show my gratitude not impress the other visitors. Although there are some protocols which should be followed, there isn’t a formal mention of a dress code. Anything decent should be fine. Besides, since the deities have a degree of omnipotence I am sure my sincerity will shine through and they will overlook my casual appearance. Additionally, in the three millennia of Japanese history only in the recent 200 years has it been customary to wear formal clothes at particular places of respect and culture. People of all walks of life would visit shrines and their clothes did not matter at the time, neither should it now.

                My beliefs were reinforced when I arrived at the shrine, upon seeing the locals in their most casual outfits solemnly praying. It was clear to me that the intent and honesty of the person far outweighed their physical trappings, and so it should be.