Praying for blessings
Praying to deities for peace and smooth success, which often includes fulfilling vows to thank the gods.
Praying for blessings (祈福) is the act of expressing wishes to deities, asking for the removal of calamities and misfortunes, and the granting of peace and smooth success. This typically occurs when facing important matters, such as exams, long journeys, illnesses, or the start of a business venture. Traditionally, praying for blessings is often linked to fulfilling vows (酬神), which involves repaying the deities after a wish has been granted. Almanacs (通書) generally list praying for blessings as an auspicious activity and recommend it be performed on specific auspicious days. In modern society, although people may not strictly choose a day, visiting a temple to burn incense and pray, or setting up a household altar to offer prayers, remains a common cultural practice.