Transcript Shinto - Ms. Jones's World History Class

What is Shinto?
The “Spirit Way” (shin-to) or “The way
of the gods”
Ancient, mythical, nature religion of
Japan
More 1500 years old
No founder – An “ethnic” religion of the
Japanese people
The root and embodiment of Japanese
culture
Shinto Mythology
Two main texts:
Kojiki (myths of ancient times, origins of gods and
man)
Nihonji (ancient history of Japan)
Of gods & goddesses: The Kami
Polytheistic
Nature deities – represent and control natural
elements and forces
Creation myth – Japan as the center of the
world
Shinto Mythology
Shinto Creation Myth
Izanagi (“male”) &
izanami (“female”)
(brother & sister)
create the islands of
Japan
Amaterasu – the Sun Goddess
Mother of the first emperor of Japan
Shrine Shinto
Jinja (shrines) - Tens of thousands
located throughout Japan
Natural structure, fits in with natural
surrounding
Torii – entry gate, separates sacred from
profane space
Rituals presided over by priest
Household shrines – kamidana
(kami shelf)
The Four
Affirmations
Tradition and Family
Love of Nature
Physical cleanliness
Matsuri: festivals that worship and honor
the Kami
Shinto Practices
Tradition and Family
Life cycle celebrations take place at shrines:
Newborn’s first visit to shrine
7-5-3 festival: blessings for boys age 5, girls
ages 3 & 7
Entry to adulthood (age 20)
Marriage
(since Shinto celebrates life in this world, in death,
the Japanese turn to Buddhist rather than Shinto
rituals)
Shinto Practices
Love of Nature:
Annual cycle of seasonal festivals
Physical Cleanliness:
Misoji - Water purification rites to wash
away impurity, thus restoring original
purity