Shide is a traditional Japanese ritual tool used in Shinto practices. It is typically made of paper or cloth and is shaped like a zigzag or lightning bolt. Shide is often attached to a shrine or used in ceremonies to purify spaces and invite the presence of kami, or spirits. The zigzag shape symbolizes the separation of the sacred from the profane. In addition to its use in rituals, shide can also be found in various forms of Japanese art and culture. It represents the connection between the physical and spiritual worlds, serving as a reminder of the importance of purity and respect in Shinto beliefs.