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SHINTO

RELIGION HISTORY PHOTO GALLERY: Temples, Shrines Shrine Buddhism Festivals New Year Wedding Emperor

Shinto (the way of the gods) is the traditional Japanese religion. It originated as a religion of the farmers in early Japan. The farmers were worshipping gods for fertility and a good harvest and were performing rituals of purification of body and mind. Nature is very important in Shinto, and special looking trees, rocks, mountains, and the like are worshipped. Shinto is not much concerned with death and theories about an afterlife. For a long time there were no Shinto writings like the bible in Christianity. When Buddhism was introduced to Japan, the two religions tolerated each other and could coexist. During the centuries they have influenced each other and molten together to a certain grade. Many Japanese consider themselves Shinto-Buddhist when asked about their religion today. Nowadays, wedding and birth ceremonies are usually celebrated according to Shinto rituals, while funerals are held in a Buddhist style. You can also get help from Shinto for various purposes by buying small amulets. You may do so before writing an important exam or for wishing your family and yourself safety and a good fortune. Other amulets are good for love relationships, safety on the road, or for protecting your wallet from misfortune. Such amulets are sold in shrines and souvenir shops. The shrines are where the Shinto gods (kami) live. Each shrine has its own god and its own festival. The Sun goddess is the most important god in shinto. Her shrine is the Ise Shrine in Mie Prefecture. In the Meiji period, Shinto became the state religion, and theories that the emperor is the direct descendant of the Sun goddess, and should therefore be worshipped like a god, were indoctrinated at schools. The state and Shinto were clearly separated after World War II.

SHINTO Shinto: The way of Gods. (The Trincoll Journal) General information. Shintoism (ALLfaiths Press) General information. Shinto - the Japanese Heart Beautiful pages about Shinto. Shinto (Ontario Centre for Religious Tolerance) General information. Study Guide: Shinto (The East Asian Studies Center, Indiana University) General information. No links yet.