No plays which are performed in the context of religious ceremonies. The origins of no are found in troupes of actors connected with the parish organisations (za) of the Hie shrine and the Kasuga daimyojin at Nara. A pine tree in the grounds of Kasuga is said to be the place where the kami of Kasuga manifested themselves in dance. A painting of this pine tree forms the backdrop to every no stage. No plays are performed at a number of shrine festivals throughout Japan. Moreover, kami, as well as buddhist divinities and spirits appear in various forms in no plays, whose themes reflect rituals for summoning up spirits from the other world.
A Popular Dictionary of Shinto. Brian Bocking.