|
Post by Lady Anastasia on Jan 16, 2007 22:02:12 GMT -5
Hogaku Japanese Music
Hogaku traditional Japanese music includes ancient Chinese and Korean court music Gagaku), Folk songs (Minyo), Biwagaku music played on a four string guitar like instrument called a Biwa, the music of Noh Theater (Nogaku), and Sokyoku music played on an Koto (a thirteen string zither) accompanied by a Shakuhachi (long flute), and, a Shamisen (three stringed guitar that also complements Bunraku and Kabuki performances).
|
|
|
Post by Lady Anastasia on Jan 16, 2007 22:02:57 GMT -5
Komainu
There are pairs of guardians at posted on both sides of the entrances to Shinto shrines called Komainu. Usually pairs of dogs and sometimes pairs of lions, at the Inari Shrines, the Komainu are foxes.
Makato
Connotes the Shinto ethic of roundedness - that good is found in inner harmony, sincerity of heart, good will, and cooperation, while selfish desires, social discord, hatred, and a malevolent heart only serve as an invitation for evil to enter your life.
|
|
|
Post by Lady Anastasia on Jan 16, 2007 22:04:11 GMT -5
Nature
The pristine majesty of the Natural World with its sacred mountains, hills, and forests places an important role in Shintoism. Nature encompasses more than two thirds of the Japanese landscape (residential and industrial areas cover less than ten percent of the environs). From subtropic Okinawa to subartic Hokkaido, the archipelago showcases a splendidly diverse array of flora and fauna that includes the bear, fox (kitsune), raccoon dog (tanuki), tropical snake, Japanese monkey and deer, as well as, bamboo (take) and decorative plants like the pine tree (Matsu), the Japanese maple tree (Momiji) and plum tree (Ume).
Bamboo (Take), a quickly growing evergreen tree, has traditionally been used for construction and in arts and crafts, while, the tree shoots (taeknoko) continue to be a perennial spring delicacy. The pine tree (Matsu), which retains its greenery all year long and symbolizes youthful longevity, is a common decorative plant in Japanese gardens along with the Japanese maple tree (Momiji) with its spectacular autumn foliage. The plum tree (Ume) heralds spring when its blossoms bloom several weeks before the cherry blossoms.
Noh and Kyogen Theater
Noh originated as a traditional form of classical Japanese theater in the fourteenth century. Actors wearing masks stage a dramatic artistic production that includes a chorus, musical instruments, poetry, speech, song, chants, poetry, and dance. There is also a lighter comedic side to classical Japanese theater called Kyogen which emphasizes dialogue more than music.
Sharing a common heritage, Noh and Kyogen are performed alternately on the same program with Kyogen actors performing roles during the Noh interludes. The plays are usually staged outdoors under a roof with four columns. They often showcase the Kami Gods and Goddesses. Musical instruments used include hourglass shaped drums (kotsuzumi okawa or otsuzum) and a transverse flute (nokan).
|
|
|
Post by Lady Anastasia on Jan 16, 2007 22:07:42 GMT -5
Omikuji
Japanese randomly pick pieces of paper that predict upcoming events in their life like good luck (daikichi) or misfortune (daikyo). When they visit a shrine or temple they attach these future prophecies to tree branches with the hope of encouraging fortuitous outcomes and avoiding those that are less auspicious.
Prayers
Whether at home or at a shrine, Shinto prayers follow a pattern. First the mouth and hands are cleansed with clean water. Then, offerings are given of food at home or coins at the shrine, bow deeply twice, clap your hands twice, bow deeply once more, and pray.
Priests
The Shinto priests, who perform the rituals, are private persons (male and female) who can marry and have children. Miko in white kimonos, young unmarried ladies who are usually the priest's daughters, usually support the priests by helping them at rituals and in other tasks in the shrine. There are several educational institutions and examinations for those who want to become priests or obtain a higher priestly grade or status.
Within the Shinto priesthood there are six grades (the Superior, the First, the Second, the Semi-Second, the Third, and the Fourth grades); and five ranks (Johkai, Meikai, Seikai, Gon-Seikai, and Chokkai). With rare exceptions, priests must have served in shrines for more than twenty years as Shinto priests before they can be given grades above the Semi-Second. To become a Guji, chief priest, the priest must have obtained a rank higher than Gon-Seikai for an ordinary shrine, and higher than Meikai to serve as the Guji of certain eminent shrines.
|
|
|
Post by Lady Anastasia on Jan 16, 2007 22:09:20 GMT -5
Raijin
Weather Kami which included a larger group of Shinto deities that controlled the rain, thunder, and storms that included Aji-Shiki-Taka-Hiko-Ne, Fujin, Hayaji, Inazuma, Kamo-Waka-Ikazuchi, Shina-Tseu-Hiko, Shina-Tsu-Himes, Susanowa, and Taka-Mi-Musubi-No-Kami.
Sacred Forest
The life of the ancient Japanese was deeply rooted in the forest. After being handed down from generation to generation, Shinto today is still a "religion of the forest" where the natural landscape, steep mountains, deep valleys, and even planted forests are sacred places where the Kami dwell. A grove itself was considered a shrine and a sacred place for the village. Jinja shrines are surrounded by sacred groves because the Kami who live in deep valleys or on steep mountains need a place to stay for awhile when they come to visit. The people can then conduct festivals and rituals in the grace of the deity.
Sacred Writings
There are no Shinto scriptures per se but there are certain writings that embody the spirit of Shinto and are central to it. They include: the Kojiki (Record of Ancient Matters) and the Nihon Shoki (Chronicles of Japan) classics which contain the mythology of the Kami, the founding of Japan and its imperial line, and the records of the early emperors; the Shinto ritual texts on purification, the Engishiki; and the ritual dances of the Kagura-uta; and the Man'yoshu, (Anthology of Poems).
|
|
|
Post by Lady Anastasia on Jan 16, 2007 22:10:43 GMT -5
Shichi Fujukin
In Shintoism there are seven important Kami who are benefactors of the Japanese people bringing them Good Fortune and Luck. This group of "Seven Happiness Beings" includes Benten, Bishamon, Daikoku, Ebisu, Fukurokuju, Hotei, and Jurojin. Symbolically the Shichi-Fuku-Jin are portrayed travelling in a treasure ship called Takara-Bune which holds a limitless purse, an invisibility hat, heavenly treasury keys, and other magical objects. After carefully cleaning their homes for Sanganichi, the Japanese New Year, people make prayerful requests to these "Seven Happiness Beings".
Shimenawa
The boundary to something sacred like a torri gate, sacred stone or tree is marked with a straw rope Shimenawa. For ritual ceremonies, the highest ranking sumo wrestler wear a similar rope called a yokozuna rope.
Sumiyoshi
The Sumiyoshi-No-Kami include a group of three Sea Kami called the Munakata-No-Kami who safeguard fisherman and seafarer and also function as the tutelary benefactors of poets, The Sumiyoshi also have a cleansing and purifying role as well. Besides Munakata Taisha, One of their main shrines is Sumiyoshi Taisha located in Osaka.
Sumo
Sumo wrestling originated in ancient Japan as religious performances for the Shinto Kami. Many of those rituals are still practiced today. Sumo wrestlers are highly trained athletes who are usually between the ages of twenty and thirty-five. Every year there are six sumo wrestling tournaments that each last for fifteen days. Three are held in Tokyo, one in Fukuoka, one in Osaka, and one in Nagoya. Sumo wrestling matches normally last only a few seconds. Sumo wrestlers win when their opponent either touches the floor with something other than the soles of his feet or leaves the ring. The highest rank a sumo wrestler can achieve is that of "yokozuna".
|
|
|
Post by Lady Anastasia on Jan 16, 2007 22:11:27 GMT -5
Torri
Torri gates indicate the approach and entrance to shrines. Although torri are usually constructed from wood and painted orange, sometimes other colours and materials are used.
Ume Matsuri
Originally imported from China, the Ume (plum) tree now plays an important role in Japanese culture. The Ume tree, occasionally referred to as the Japanese apricot tree, has been associated with the beginning of spring since plum blossoms are among the first blossoms to open, heralding springtime. Ume Matsuri (plum festivals) are usually celebrated in February and March in public parks, shrines and temples in the Tokyo area, as well as, across the country. The colors of the strongly scented plum blossoms range from dark pink to white. Although most of the plum blossoms are five petalled, there are some cultivated species called yae-ume that have more than five petals and weeping plum trees called shidare-ume.
|
|
|
Post by Lady Anastasia on Jan 16, 2007 22:12:42 GMT -5
Shintoism Shrine Shinto Kami Way
Shinto perceives the sacred in nature and the presence of deities in trees, rivers, thunder, stones, waterfalls, mountains, and valleys. The numinous kami are worshiped, as well as, the ancestral and guardian spirits, and the spirits of national heroes. More than two thirds of Japan is covered with forests, hills, and mountains, while, urban and industrial areas like Tokyo, Osaka, and the coasts of Tokaido and Sanyo occupy like less than ten percent of the land.
Ancient folk beliefs and rituals were deeply rooted in a distant past. Remains with magical significance have been discovered that are from the Jomon period around 200 B.C. Local shrines where festivals take place are the focal point of the community. Every home has a Kamidana, Kami goddess god shelf, which is the focus of daily offerings and reverence.
Worship of the kami usually takes places in shrines located in the beauty of nature, but they may be revered anywhere. The Sun goddess, Amaterasu is the chief of the kami, and the patron deity of Japan.
Today, Shinto, "The Way of the Kami", harmoniously coexists with both Confucianism and Buddhism. These three traditions have been woven together into the tapestry of Japanese ethics, customs, culture, attitudes, and overall outlook on life. Some Shinto virtues to be emulated are: observation of Shinto Rites with attentiveness, purity of heart, and authenticity; gratitude for the blessings of the Kami and the beneficence of ancestors; and helpful service to others and the world without regard for reward.
Over time, Shinto has ripened into four main forms: Jinja Shinto (The Shrine Shinto), Koshitsu Shinto (Shinto of the Imperial House), Minzoku Shinto (The Folk Shinto), and Shuha Shinto, (The Sect Shinto).
|
|
|
Post by Lady Anastasia on Jan 16, 2007 22:14:08 GMT -5
Four Main Forms of Shintoism Shinto
Jinja Shinto (Shrine Shinto)
The shrines are the homes of the kami and places of worship where festivals, Matsuri, are regularly celebrated to show kami the world outside the shrine. Communities organized the Shinto shrines but imperial Shinto rituals at the court were an important governmental task performed by the emperor. In ancient times the rites were performed outdoors. A piece of unpolluted land was roped off in a square and a stand of tree was erected as an invitation to the kami. This place was called Himorogi. If a rock were chosen instead of a tree, the place was called Iwasaka.
After Buddhism came to Japan, the image of Buddha was worshiped in a building. This influenced Shinto to enshrine the kami spirit in a building and to perform the ancient style of rituals before constructing the buildings. (Jichinsai). With the exception of the medieval period from 1192-1603 when the Japanese enshrined an image of kami that resembles Buddha, the kami have been worshipped without an image.
The Jinja shrine is usually situated in a natural environment. To give the impression of purity, the architectural style is simple. Many different styles evolved under the influence of Yin-Yang thought and Buddhism. Plain wood and thatched roofs developed into painted materials and sculptures affixed to the buildings. Generally paper or cloth strips attached to a stand or a Heihaku mirror were the objects of worship. A shrine grove and tree lined path leads to the main shrine building (even in urban areas were they are maintained on a smaller scale).
Principal Center: Shinto shrines can be found in groves of trees all over Japan. All the shrines have Torii, sacred gates, and often contain water for symbolic purification of hands and mouth; larger shrines have main halls, buildings for offerings, and oratories. Inside the main hall resides the Goshintai, god-body, which is sometimes represented by a mirror, but more often, nothing at all. The classic Shinto shrine is the world-renowned Ise Shrine, the primary cult site for Amaterasu, the most important of the kami.
Koshitsu Shinto (Shinto of the Imperial House)
Conclave rites performed by the emperor, who under the Japanese constitution, is the symbol of the state and the unity of the people. His prayers for a long continuation of the state, for the happiness of the people, and for world peace are centered around the goddess, Amaterasu Ohmikami, who according to Japanese myth is the ancestral deity of the emperor. The Daijosai Festival of Thanksgiving is the first Niinamesai (rite of thanksgiving) performed by the newly crowned emperor of Japan in a temporarily built palace inside the Imperial Palace, called Daijokyu. Other Koshitsu rites include rites performed at the Grand Shrine of Ise where Amaterasu Ohmikami is enshrined.
Three imperial shrines were erected inside the palace in 1869 when the capital of Japan in Kyoto was relocated to Tokyo. Amaterasu Ohmikami, the imperial ancestral deity, is centrally enshrined in Kashikodokoro; the deities of heaven and earth are enshrined on the east side in Shindenwhich; and the spirits of successive emperors are enshrined on the west side in Koreiden. An additional shrine Shinkaden was built in order to perform the rite of Thanksgiving, Niinamesaithere. All the Koshitsu rites are performed in these shrines which are interconnected by corridors.
The true nature of the emperor is to always be with the Kami, the deities. He performs numerous rites each year beginning with the first yearly rite, Genshisai. Shoten (men) and Nai-Shoten (women) clergy assist the emperor in performing these rites.
|
|
|
Post by Lady Anastasia on Jan 16, 2007 22:15:03 GMT -5
Minzoku Shinto (Folk Shinto)
The customs of Shinto practiced by the common people gradually grew into a complex form of festivals and rites that sometimes included elements of Confucianism, Daoism (Taoism), and Buddhism. Originally one with Shrine Shinto, the traditional forms of Shinto became Folk Shinto when Buddhism was the state religion in the time of Emperor Temmu (673-686), and the government established specific Japanese festivals and rituals.
Folk Shinto rites are life passages rites and year round observances rites which are all closely related to rites and festivals performed at the Shinto Shrine. For example, it is the custom in agricultural communities to perform rituals without a priest. A member of the community, usually a young boy is nominated as Toya. Under a one year rotation system, he then performs the rites to worship the deity of the locality.
Shuha Shinto (Sect Shinto)
Sect Shinto can be classified into Sect Shinto and New Sect Shinto. Sect Shinto are groups of Shinto believers (Kurozumikyo, ShintoShuseiha, Izumo Oyashirokyo, Fusokyo, Jikkokyo, Shinshukyo, Shinto Taiseikyo, Ontakekyo, Shintotaikyo, Misogikyo, Shinrikyo, Konkokyo, and Tenrikyo) that started individual religious activities (before 1868 and after 1882) when Shinto shrines were secluded from other religious institutions as the place for rites and festivals conducted by the state. Although Sect Shinto groups follow traditional Shinto rites and festivals and worship the Kami, each group has a founder, its own doctrines, and usually a central figure of divinity to revere. New Sect Shinto groups combine folk beliefs with tenets of Buddhism, Confucianism, Ying Yang cosmology, and in rare instances with monotheism.
|
|
|
Post by Lady Anastasia on Jan 16, 2007 22:16:23 GMT -5
Shintoism Shinto Festivals
Most of the Japanese Shinto festivals are held annually over several days. Since every shrine has its own festivals, there are innumerable local festivals in Japan. The festivals either celebrate events like the coming of the farming season, the harvest, or, they commemorate historical events. Processions are held where the kami, (Shinto deities), are carried on Mikoshi (palanquins), through the streets by people wearing special dresses. Kasahoko (decorated floats) accompany them with people playing traditional Japanese instruments like the drum and flute. There are also street stalls with food, games, and toys at the festivals.
New Year's Festival
City people visit a Shinto shrine or Buddhist temple during the first three days of a year, while, in rural areas either each house holds a ceremony to invite the deity of a year, or else the community does it on their behalf. Toso rice wine and a special meal are shared with the ancestral spirits, and people place special amulets on their house altar.
Bon Festival
An ancestral soul's day held in July or August that is an amalgam of a Buddhist festival based on Chinese Urabon sutra and the Folk Shinto faith where people visits the graves of ancestors who have been sent to the Pure Land. All the members of a clan or family get together to enjoy a meal especially prepared for the occasion.
|
|
|
Post by Lady Anastasia on Jan 16, 2007 22:17:03 GMT -5
Other Festivals
There are many other kinds of festivals such as those to wish someone prosperity and happiness; those to ward off misfortune or trouble; those relating to various occupations in industry, commerce, and agriculture; those influenced by Yin-Yang thought, Daoism (Taoism), and Buddhism; and seasonal festivals like the last day of the year when the Japanese practice the ancient custom of purification, Oharae, by cleaning the home and surrounding area, taking a bath to cleanse themselves, and eating Soba noodles as they wait for the arrival of the New Year.
|
|
|
Post by Lady Anastasia on Jan 16, 2007 22:18:26 GMT -5
Shintoism Shinto Festival Rites
Scale of Festival Rites differs according to the nature of the Festival.
Taisai
Grand Scale Festivals Rites include: Spring Festival to pray for good harvest, Shinto Thanksgiving to appreciate the harvest and to share the first harvest with kami; and the annual festival to revere the enshrined deity.
Chusai
Medium Scale Festival Rites include: New Year's Day and a ceremony to celebrate Japan's Foundation Day.
Shosai
Small Scale Festival Rites include all the rest of festivals.
Zassai
Other miscellaneous Festival Rites include: Jotosai (a rite performed during construction of a building); Shinsosai (a funeral ceremony); and Jichinsai (a rite before constructing a building to worship the deities of a locality and the land).
|
|
|
Post by Lady Anastasia on Jan 16, 2007 22:19:53 GMT -5
Shintoism Shinto Passages Rites
Hatsumiya-Mode
The whole family dresses up and goes with a new born baby for its first visit to a local tutelary shrine where he is recognized by the Kami as a member of the community.
Shichi-Go-San
Five year old boys and three and seven year old girls visit a shrine to receive divine blessings and to report on their health.
Coming of Age Festival
When a youth reaches the age of twenty there is an official celebration at a public institution like a local government office after which many of the youth visit a shrine to receive the grace and divine blessings of the Kami.
Marriage Ceremony
After the family reports a marriage to the ancestors in front of the household altar they introduce the newly wed couple to their community as new members, inviting relatives and neighbors to a banquet held at the household (since 1868-1912, the marriage ceremony has taken place in a Shinto shrine; a Buddhist temple).
|
|
|
Post by Lady Anastasia on Jan 16, 2007 22:22:49 GMT -5
Shinto Shrines
Shinto shrines are places of worship and the dwellings of the kami, the Shinto "goddesses and gods". Sacred objects of worship that represent the Kami are stored in the innermost chamber of the shrine where they cannot be seen by anybody. People visit shrines in order to pay respect to the kami, to pray for things like good fortune, and for special events like marriages and newborn babies.
The entrances to Shinto Shrines which are viewed by the Japanese as the dwellings of the kami, have Torii Gates with Shimenawa that are guarded by a pair of Komainu. There are also water fountains nearby for the purpose of cleaning the mouth and hands before approaching the main hall (honden) of the shrine since the most sacred object of the shrine (representative of the revered kami and hidden from view) is located within its innermost chamber.
Visitors pray and make offerings at the haiden (offering hall) before leaving their wishful requests behind on Ema wooden plates. Prophetic Omikuji slips are also tied to nearby tree branches.
There are important etiquette steps and requirements that need to honored when visiting Shinto Shrines. Visitors do not go to shrines when they are ill, when they have open wounds, or when they are in mourning. Visitors stop at the purification fountain by the shrine entrance, fill the provided ladle with fresh water and rinse both their hands before putting some of water into their cupped hand and rinsing out their mouth then spitting out the water next to the fountain.
Visitors watch for signs and do not take pictures if photography is not permitted. Visitors are to behave calmly and to show their respect by praying in front of the sacred object; throwing a coin into the offering box in the offering hall, clapping their hands twice, bowing once, and making a short prayer. Some of the primary types of the many thousands of Shinto Shrines that are situated throughout Japan are listed below.
Imperial Shrines
Recognizable by the the chrysanthemum crest of the imperial family, the distinguished and distinctive "Jingu" shrines include Ise Shrine, Izumo Shrine, and Atsuta Shrine, as well as, some shrines built during the Meiji period like the Heian Shrine in Kyoto and the Meiji Shrine in Tokyo.
Inari Shrines
The Inari Shrines are dedicated to the Kami of rice, god Inari. There are thousands of Inari shrines throughout Japa with the most illustrious being the Fushimi shrine in Kyoto. Since the fox is considered the messenger of Inari, the Komainu guards at either side of the entrances to Inari shrines are a pair of foxes statues.
Hachiman Shrines
In the past the prominent military clans revered the Kami of war, god Hachiman. There are thousand of Hachiman Shrine that are dedicated to him with the most reknown being the Kamakura, Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine.
Tenjin Shrines
Dedicated to the Kami of Sugawara Michizane, who was a scholarly politician during the Heian period, Tenjin shrines are noted for their plum trees and ox statues. The Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, the first and most notable of these shrine is near Fukuoka. Students studying for entrance exams, often visit the Tenjin Shrines.
Sengen Shrines
Princess Konohanasakuya, now revered as goddess Sengen, is the Shinto deity of the Sacred Mountain of Mount Fuji. Although there over a thousand shrines dedicated to Goddess Sengen all across Japan, her primary shrines are situated at both the summit and the foot of Mount Fuji.
Clan Shrines
Some of the more historically influential Japanese clans have dedicated shrines to the founders of their clan. For instance, the Kanazawa Oyama Shrine is dedicated to the founder of the powerful local Maeda clan founder, Maeda Toshiie. There are also dozens of Toshogu Shrines dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu, including the noted Toshogu Shrine at Nikko.
Local Shrines
There are numerous shrines which are not associated with any other type of shrine that are dedicated solely to honoring the local Kami.
|
|