|
| |
| |
|
 |
*** click to
enlarge any image *** |
Shinto - Japan's Native Religion
  Shinto
is one of the two major religions of Japan (the other is Buddhism). Shinto
is often considered to be the native religion
of Japan, and is as old as Japan itself. The name Shinto means "the way
of the gods." Shinto is a pantheistic religion, in which many thousands
of major and minor gods are thought to exist. The Japanese have built
thousands
of shrines throughout the country to honor and worship these gods. Some shrines
are huge and are devoted to important deities. Other shrines are small and may
be easily missed when strolling along roads in the countryside.
 Shinto gods are called kami. Kami are thought to have
influence on human affairs, and for this reason many Japanese make regular
pilgrimage to community shrines in order to offer prayers to local kami.
The act of prayer involves approaching the shrine structure, passing through the
gate-like torii, cleansing the hands and mouth
with water and possibly ascending stairs to the main entrance of the shrine.
Usually without entering the shrine the worshipper will throw some coins into a
stone or wooden collection box and then rattle the suzu bell which is at
the top of a long hemp rope. The worshiper grabs hold of the rope and shakes it
back and forth causing the copper bell at the top to rattle. This is thought to
get the attention of the shrine god. The worshipper then bows twice, claps his
or her hands twice and then bows again. In addition, the worshipper may clasp
their hands together in silent prayer. Shintoism and Buddhism have managed to
find a comfortable coexistence in Japan. Evidence of this harmonious relationship is
found in the fact that that most Japanese are married in a Shinto shrine,
but buried by a Buddhist priest.
|
 |
Click
here
to see Shinto items available to purchase within our eBay store The
Old Tokaido. |
Related Features
|
|
Shinto
Religion
Japan's native faith. Click
here
|
 |
Japan's Seven
Luck Gods - Shichifukujin
An interesting
group of Shinto deities from various Asian religious traditions.
Click here
|
 |
Inari
Fox Messenger
Magical protector of Inari
Shinto shrines. Click
here
|
 |
Dosojin
Highway Gods
Shinto gods protecting travelers and village
borders throughout Japan. Click
here
|
 |
Kappa
Evil Water Imps
Learn what really lurks beneath
the calm, still waters of Japanese lakes and streams. Click
here
|
 |
Komainu
Shrine Dogs
Watchdogs of Japanese Shinto
shrines. Click
here
|
|
