Ujigami

The ujigami was prayed to for a number of reasons, including protection from sickness, success in endeavors, and good harvests.

[3] After the Heian period, the Japanese manorial system was established and nobles, warriors and temples had their own private land, the family-based society fell out of use, and belief in ujigami diminished.

In the Muromachi period the manorial system declined, and so the guardian deities were enshrined along with the ujigami.

Upon visiting a shrine, it is common to receive a proof of childhood card, indicating one's status as a parishioner.

Additionally, the ritual of becoming a parishioner may be performed again following a marriage, to align with the Ujigami of the spouse's family.