norito
Etymology
From Japanese 祝詞.
norito means A liturgical text or ritual incantation in Shinto, usually addressed to a specific kami. Lexicurio rates it Sui generis — a strength score of 92 out of 100.
Why this word is great
NORITO — [Noun] A formal liturgical text or ritual incantation in Shinto, addressed to a specific kami (deity or spirit). From Japanese 祝詞 (norito), from the classical verb noru (meaning "to declare" or, in an archaic sense, "to ride upon" words) combined with the nominal suffix -to. Unlike a "mantra"—a sonic seed for meditation, repeated until it dissolves into pure vibration—or a "litany"—a call-and-response chain of supplications—a norito is a singular, architectured prose journey, a complete verbal offering recited by a priest. It is the clean, deliberate rhythm of the priest's voice in the quiet shrine; the scent of sakaki leaves and the steam of rice wine rising as the words do; the palpable weight of ancient formulae carefully unrolled into the air. The act is one of terrifying etiquette, for to speak so correctly is to believe that the universe listens to grammar.
noun
- A liturgical text or ritual incantation in Shinto, usually addressed to a specific kami.