Shinto

Shinto is a traditional Japanese religion that originated before the sixth century C.E. It’s often described as a nature religion and is considered by many to be Japan’s indigenous religion.

Key characteristics of Shinto

  • Kami: Shinto is centered around the worship of invisible spiritual beings and powers called kami. These kami are believed to permeate the natural world, including mountains, trees, rivers, and rocks. 
  • Rituals: Shinto rituals are used to communicate with kami and to maintain harmony between humans, nature, and the kami. 
  • Shrines: Shinto shrines are places where people can visit and worship the kami. 
  • Seasonal celebrations: Shinto involves celebrating the highlights of each season. 
  • Purification rites: Shinto includes purification rites and customs to overcome the effects of death and decay. 

Other aspects of Shinto

  • Shinto doesn’t have a founder, sacred texts, or a moral code. 
  • Shinto doesn’t conceive of a life after death. 
  • Shinto values harmony, physical and spiritual purity, and reverence for nature. 
  • Shinto values procreation, fertility, family, and ancestral solidarity. 

Forms of Shinto 

  • Koshitsu Shinto: The Shinto of the Imperial House
  • Jinja Shinto: The Shrine Shinto
  • Shuha Shinto: The Sect Shinto
  • Minzoku Shinto: The Folk Shinto
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