What is sumo known to symbolize?

Sumo is deeply intertwined with the cultural and spiritual aspects of Japanese society, and it symbolizes a religious ritual that reaches beyond mere sport. Historically, sumo has roots in Shinto, the indigenous spirituality of Japan, where it was originally performed as a means to appease and summon kami, or spiritual deities. The rituals performed before sumo matches, such as the purification of the ring with salt and the ceremonial dances performed by the rikishi (wrestlers), highlight this connection to Shinto traditions.

The sport is not just a display of physical strength or competition; it embodies centuries of cultural significance, rituals, and beliefs that resonate with the Japanese people. In this context, sumo is seen as a ceremonial act where the physical clash of wrestlers can be interpreted as a manifestation of divine powers and spiritual significance, reflecting the harmony between humanity and the divine.

This understanding of sumo as a religious ritual provides insights into its formalities, traditions, and rules, with each aspect rooted in Japan's spiritual heritage.