SHINTO

Shinto, the native religion of Japan, is one of the oldest religions in the world. Related to some of the religions of Korea, Manchuria and present-day Siberia, Shinto is primarily a form of nature worship, where natural objects, such as mountains, rivers, heavenly bodies, etc. are worshipped and personified (for example, Amaterasu the Sun Spirit). Shinto has no real founder, no written scriptures, no body of religious law, and only a very loosely-organized priesthood. Shinto is a non-exclusive religion--that is, people may practice and Shinto along with a second or even third religion; this is because the beliefs of Shinto do not conflict with those of other faiths. Most Japanese practice both Shinto and Buddhism.

BASIC BELIEFS:
Practitioners of Shinto use the word "affirmations" to describe their basic beliefs; affirmation means "things we agree are good." There are Four Affirmations in Shinto:

1. Affirmation of tradition and the family: Shinto celebrates the rites of life--birth and marriage are especially important. Traditions must be passed down from generation to generation, therefore the family is extremely important, since it is the family that transmits traditions. The most important religious ceremonies are those that deal with the family.
   
2. Affirmation of the love of nature: Japan is physically a beautiful country, and the Japanese have always reveled in its beauty; that is why so much of her poetry deals with nature. People must be close to nature; that is why activities such as cherry-blossom and maple-leaf viewing are so important. Since natural objects are worshipped as sacred spirits, nature itself is sacred, and being in contact with nature means you are in contact with the gods.
   
3. Affirmation of physical cleanliness: Cleanliness IS godliness in Japan, hence the Japanese concern with taking baths, washing their hands often, rinsing out their mouths. One must be clean in the presence of the spirits. Something that is not clean is ugly.
   
4. Affirmation of matsuri: A matsuri is a festival honoring the spirits, either collectively or individually. It is an opportunity for people and spirits to come together and enjoy each other's company. Major matsuri in Japan are Feb. 11 (National Founding Day), the first days of each season, especially spring and autumn, and local patron spirits.

TERMS:

• kami: A spirit; often translated (incorrectly) as "god." All things possess a kami, which is something that has a power you don't have. Kami may be animate (person, animal); spiritual (such as a spirit); or inanimate (such as a television set--don't laugh--what can a TV do that you can't?)
• tori: A gateway that marks the entrance to a Shinto shrine. Shinto shrines are always constructed out of wood, are usually surrounded by sacred trees, and have flowing water near them.
• norito: A very ceremonial Shinto prayer, recited at matsuri or special ceremonies. Individual people recite their own personal prayers.
• sakaki: The sacred tree of Amaterasu and the Shinto religion; it is an evergreen with a fragrant wood.
• Three-five-seven matsuri: A special ceremony for children ages 3, 5 and 7. Children are brought to the local shrine, and blessed by a priest, so that they may be kept from harm. This ceremony dates from over 1500 years ago, when most children did not live to adolescence.
• origami: "Paper of the spirits." This Japanese art form dates from pre-writing days, when people took pieces of paper or fabric, whispered their prayers over them, then tied them on trees, so when the wind blew, their prayers were repeated. You can still see these papers at and around Shinto shrines. As a sign of respect for the tree spirit that gave its life for the paper, origami paper is never cut with a scissors or other sharp implement.

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