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