Quote:
Dave Lewin wrote:
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!
--dave
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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.