プログレッシブ和英中辞典(第4版)の解説
かみだな【神棚】
a household Shinto altar
説明
A kamidana is a small altar erected in homes to honor and worship deities in Shinto, the indigenous religion of Japan. It often looks like a miniature shrine, with ofuda (plaques inscribed with scripture) obtained from a local shrine placed in front of it. At this altar, people make offerings of branches of the sakaki tree (Cleyera japonica Thunb) and miki (ritual sake wine) to their guardian spirits, and pray for the safety and prosperity of their family or business. While rarely seen in multi-dwelling buildings in large cities, these shrines are commonly found in private homes in rural areas and in residences where business is also conducted. (Most Buddhist families in Japan also practice Shinto.)（意訳：日本固有の神道の神をまつるため家の中の一角に作られた棚で，小さな神社の形をしたものが多く，神社から受けた御礼が安置されている．榊(さかき)やお神酒(みき)等の供物を供え，その日の家族の無事や商売繁盛などを祈願する．都会の集合住宅ではあまり見られないが，商売をしている家や地方の一般の家には神棚がある（日本では仏教を信じるかたわら，神道を実践している人が多い））