Though many people are apt to confuse shrines (Shinto) with temples (Buddism), shrines have torii gates. In temples, an image of the Buddha is generally the object of worship, while in many shrines, a mirror takes the place of a deity. However, in Shinto, the spirits of deities reside in awe-inspiring natural phenomenon, therefore the gods take many different forms, from trees to rocks. People mainly visit shrines at the start of a new year, during shichi-go-san celebrations to pray for children’s health and development, or at times when they want to petition the gods for something specific. It is customary, when you pray at a shrine, to first bow twice, then clap your hands twice, and bow once again.