It is an opportunity for people and spirits to come together and enjoy each other's company. All things possess a kami , which is something that has a power you don't have. A gateway that marks the entrance to a Shinto shrine. Shinto shrines are always constructed out of wood, are usually surrounded by sacred trees, and have flowing water near them. A very ceremonial Shinto prayer, recited at matsuri or special ceremonies.
Individual people recite their own personal prayers.
Children are brought to the local shrine, and blessed by a priest, so that they may be kept from harm. This ceremony dates from over 1500 years ago, when most children did not live to adolescence. This Japanese art form dates from pre-writing days, when people took pieces of paper or fabric, whispered their prayers over them, then tied them on trees, so when the wind blew, their prayers were repeated. You can still see these papers at and around Shinto shrines. As a sign of respect for the tree spirit that gave its life for the paper, origami paper is never cut with a scissors or other sharp implement.