Shinkai (神階, "divine rank") is a system of rankingkami inShinto.[1][2][3] Higher rank meant more lands were given to the shrine and it became wealthier and more powerful.[1]
The Shinkai system was linked to theMyōjin and ranked deity shrine systems. The Myojin system ranked deities and the Kanpeikokuhei-sha system ranked shrines. Its goal was to control important shrines for the state.[2]
At first, the state shrine system did not work well. It was meant for festivals forJapan's deities. At that time only a few state shrines existed. Their numbers started to grow in the mid-eighth century. This was because of changes in local governance. These changes were part of theRitsuryo system.[2]
The first mention ofshinkai is in theTôdaiji yôroku. This document is from around 1134. It says that in 746,HachimanTaisha got the third rank. This was to help an ill emperor[who?].[1]
The earlier Hanpei system was about giving festival materials (heihaku) to shrines. The system got stricter. Shinto priests who did not collectheihaku faced penalties, but this did not work well.[2]
The system changed a lot in the late eighth century under theRitsuryo system. Many thought theDepartment of Divinities was losing power. But the number of state-supported shrines grew.[2]
During theEnryaku era, theDepartment of Divinities made two important changes:[2]
By the late eighth century, it was common to give status and rankings to shrines. This created a clear hierarchy. Governors and local leaders supported this.[2] Governors liked it for control. Local leaders liked it for political status.[2]
For example In history every timeMount Chokai erupted, therank ofOmonoimi no Kami the kami ofChōkaisan Ōmonoimi Shrine[4] was increased.[5]Omonoimi no Kami is known to have received the rank of Shōichii in the reign ofEmperor Yōmei.[6]
At first, shrines got land based on rank. Higher ranks meant more land.[1]
Governors gradually got more control over shrine ranking. Ranking gods became mainly a provincial matter. The central government was little involved.[2]
Later, the practice changed. It became more ceremonial and less practical.[1]
The system ended in the Meiji period.[1]
