Shinto/Shomen etiquitte question

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[dave9nine]

hi,
just wondering if folks have varying views/info on what becomes of food offerings placed on the shomen for the kami.

with the salt and dried rice and sake its not an issue, but what of decomposibles? is it considered offensive to eat that which was offered to the kami first?

we have some mandarins left from the New Years and im getting hungry looking at them! :D

--dave

[mathewjgano]

Mottai nai...waste not want not. I'm not sure what the most appropriate way of removing it from the offering area is, but I'm fairly sure the idea is that food shouldn't be wasted and should be enjoyed after it's been offered to kamisama. I'd ask Barrish Sensei, for more information:
http://tsubakishrine.com/

[Randall Lim]

hi,
just wondering if folks have varying views/info on what becomes of food offerings placed on the shomen for the kami.

with the salt and dried rice and sake its not an issue, but what of decomposibles? is it considered offensive to eat that which was offered to the kami first?

we have some mandarins left from the New Years and im getting hungry looking at them! :D

--dave

According to the oriental customs of Taoism, decomposible food that has been offered at an altar may be consumed as long as it is not rotten & is still edible. But removal of food from the altar must be done with utmost respect (by bowing or prayer). Fresh offerings must be replaced immediately.

Once an offering turns rotten, it must be removed & replaced immediately.

BTW, no half-eaten food is acceptable as an offering.