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Shinto

Shinto. The Traditional Japanese Religion. The Name. Shinto is interpreted “The Way of the Gods” The name came from the Chinese words “shin tao” in the 8 th century AD. Beginnings. Started about 500 BC It was originally a mixture of ancient practices: Nature Worship

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Shinto

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  1. Shinto The Traditional Japanese Religion

  2. The Name • Shinto is interpreted “The Way of the Gods” • The name came from the Chinese words “shin tao” in the 8th century AD.

  3. Beginnings • Started about 500 BC • It was originally a mixture of ancient practices: • Nature Worship • Fertility Cults (groups that pray for more crops) • Fortune Telling • Hero Worship • Shamanism (magic)

  4. Kami • Followers of Shinto worship the spirits (or kami) that live in nature. • Every part of nature is thought to be animated by a divinity (god). • These gods are called kami. • They dwell in nature, but can protect people. They are seen as good; they help and protect people. • People pray to them and make offerings, such as wine, food or incense.

  5. Kami play an important role in life. • The kami are consulted before important events. • Believers look into the Shinto calendar for a lucky day when all the gods will work in favor of the event. • Offerings are made at these events to bring good luck.

  6. Shinto Shrines • Followers build shrines to specific kami. • When entering a shrine, you pass through a tori gate. • This gate is the gateway to the gods. It symbolizes leaving the finite world for the infinite world. • Inside the shrine, believers wash hands and rinse out mouths to purify themselves. • They pray, make requests, make offerings, and perform sacred dances.

  7. Worship and Respect of Ancestors • Absolute loyalty to family/ancestors is very important. • Tradition and the family are still important. • The main celebrations in Shinto relate to birth and marriage, through which family traditions are preserved.

  8. Origami • Origami = paper of the spirits • This is a Japanese folk art in which paper is folded into beautiful shapes. • They are often seen around Shinto shrines as offerings.

  9. Shinto is not like most religions. • No founder, written scriptures or religious law. • Most Japanese citizens practice two religions: Shinto and Buddhism. • Believers respect animals as messengers of the gods. • “Mamori” are charms worn as an aid in healing and protection. • An altar “kami-dana” is given a central place in many homes.

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