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Shinto sun goddess also known as Ohiru-menomuchi-no-kami is a central figure in the Shinto religion and plays an important role in the god-myth of the Japanese emperor, as members of the imperial household are said to be her direct descendants. The goddess is often associated with the sun and light as it is thought that her blessing can illuminate the lives of those who pray to her. Japan`s Grand Shrine at Ise is dedicated to Amaterasu. Amaterasu is sibling to the storm god Susanoo and the moon deity Tsukuyomi.
Shinto anzan are a special type of Japanese omamori luck charm which is blessed with the spirit and power of a Shinto shrine ( jinja) and designed to provide protection for pregnant women during term and to ensure a safe and easy delivery.
Special stone (typically) water basin used for ritual cleaning of hands and mouth before approaching the altar of a Shinto shrine.
Daikoku is Japan's god of wealth and good fortune. Daikoku is one of the most famous and celebrated gods within the Japanese Shinto pantheon. Daikoku is one of seven popular luck gods collectively known as Shichifukujin. Daikoku is usually depicted holding his wonderful luck hammer which he waves to dispense good fortune upon worthy humans. The god is also frequently shown standing upon two large bales of rice, an auspicious symbol of prosperity. The happy luck god wears one of the most captivating smiles in all Asian art and is nearly always depicted in the act of joyfully visiting wealth and happiness upon the earth.
An event held at the end of each year in which community members in Japan bring their household or business religious items to a shrine for ritual burning. This event allows the Japanese to dispose of the passing year's ofuda, shimenawa, omamori and even kamidana and other items in a manner prescribed by Shinto tradition. Dondoyaki is also an important community event allowing neighbors to gather and chat at the shrine during the new year holiday.
Special plaques used to communicate one`s wishes and thanks to deities worshiped at Shinto shrines. Believers often make donations to the shrines they visit, and in the past wealthy devotees might show their appreciation and respect through the gift of a live horse. Horses were highly valued in old Japan and over time less well-to-do believers began offering their prayers on wooden plaques which featured a painted image of a horse. The word ema in fact translates into English as "horse picture". Eventually the images on Ema began to reflect a wider range of subjects, with new favorites being representations of the animals within the Oriental zodiac as well as creatures associated with shrine deities; such as the magical fox who acts as the messenger for the powerful god of the rice harvest, Inari. To use an ema the believer must first make or, more commonly, buy an ema from a Shinto shrine. The believer then writes his prayer onto the board and brings it to the shrine to be hung upon a special rack set out for this purpose. Ema remain very popular in Japan where they are used by believers during every stage of life; from the student praying for success in schools exams, to young married couples hoping for children as well as the elderly offering thanks for a full and blessed life.
Special purpose Japanese Shinto enmusubi are a special type of omamori luck charm which is blessed with the spirit and power of a Shinto shrine (jinja) and designed to help ensure love and marriage.
Gakugyojoju are a special type of Japanese Shinto omamori luck charm which is blessed with the spirit and power of a Shinto shrine (jinja) and designed to provide spiritual aid for students and scholars. This type of omamori is commonly purchased and carried by students throughout the school year and especially ahead of and during important testing periods. School-age children will often carry gakugyojoju omamori on their school backpacks.
One of two central shrine at the Ise Grand Shrine complex (the other is Naiku). Geku shrine (aka Toyoukedaijingu) is dedicated to the kami of agriculture and industry Toyouke no Omikami.
Hamaya arrows are commonly purchased at new year by visitors to Shinto shrines who use the arrows to ward away evil forces and bring good fortune into their home or business. Hamaya are sometimes referred to as `demon-breaking' arrows due to a traditional belief in the power of these objects as aids in overcoming adversity.
Japanese Shinto altar offering table for use with shrine or kamidana zushi. The Japanese word hassokudai means eight leg table and indeed the table has eight pedestals making up the two leg sections. This type of altar table is normally used to present offerings of water, rice and salt and is placed just in front of the kamidana altar.
Inari is the name of the Shinto Japanese god who watches over and protects the rice harvest. As rice has long been the staple food of the Japanese, this god is obviously very important, and Shinto shrines dedicated to Inari are reported to number more than 20,000 in Japan.
The messenger of the Shinto god Inari is the magical, shape-shifting fox or kitsune as it is called in Japanese. Images of foxes are commonly seen flanking Inari in paintings of this god, as well as guarding the entrance to Inari shrines. Inari messenger foxes are said to possess the ability to hear and see all human activities as well as to transform into human form (usually a bewitching woman). Inari fox messengers are said to grow in power as they age and will only grow a tail (a symbol of power) after reaching the ripe old age of 100. Fox messengers are most powerful after they have lived for 1000 years at which point they may have a total of nine tails, grey or white fur and will have attained the power of infinite vision. Fox lore is common in Asia, though it is normally thought to have originated in India. Some Asian cultures view the fox as a strictly malevolent creature, though it Japan it is just as often portrayed as a powerful, yet kind creature with a genuine interest in the welfare of humans.
The most sacred Shinto shrine in Japan. This jinja is dedicated to the sun goddess Amaterasu as well as other Shinto deities. The shrine is located at Ise city in Mie prefecture on the main Japanese island of Honshu. There are several individual shrines within the Ise shrine complex with the most important being the shrines of Naiku and Geku. The Naiku shrine is thought to hold the Sacred Mirror which is one of the most important relics of the Shinto faith.
The ritualized purification of land prior to construction. This ceremony is conducted by a Shinto priest just prior to the start of construction and is considered an important step in calming the spiritual forces inhabiting the land and in bringing luck and prosperity to the property owners and occupants.
At the heart and spiritual center of every Japanese city, town and village are well preserved wooded plots of land which are the sanctuary of Japan's native deities. These places, which are called Jinja in Japanese, will invariably include one or more shrines where believers can worship and offer prayers to the gods. Jinja, and the grounds upon which they reside are used not just for worship, but also as a place for community events, festivals and even as playgrounds. Most shrines typically consist of a large patch of wooded ground with a gate-like structure called a torii providing passage from the secular world into the spiritual. Fierce stone dog statues (one is actually a lion) called komainu stand guard along a stone path leading from the torii to the foot of the shrine complex. Before reaching the shrine, visitors will normally stop to rinse their hands and mouth at a stone water basin ( chozubachi) provided for this purpose. This is done as an act of purification before coming into the presence of the resident deity. Upon reaching the actual shrine one must typically then ascent a short staircase to a platform where worship may be performed. Looking through the large structure's open doors one might spot a second, more secluded building visible beyond the first. This other building is the actual shrine itself and the true residence of the enshrined deity. Legend holds that any who improperly enter the inner-sanctuary will be blinded by the magnificent power residing therein, and for this reason most Japanese are happy to pay their respects from the safety of the doorway of the outermost building. Large Japanese Shinto shrines often have numerous smaller shrines located elsewhere on the shrine grounds. These smaller structures are often only slightly larger than a doll house and are the symbolic homes of lesser deities who are perhaps in some way associated with the god of the main shrine. Click here to see a video showing how Japanese Shinto shrines are often great places to rest and find shelter from inclement weather.
Kagami means mirror in Japanese and special altar mirrors are often placed before Shinto shrine and kamidana household altars as an important part of the Shinto religious setting. Mirrors are significant in Shinto as the reflective surfaces are thought capable of revealing without prejudice the true aspect of any person or object placed before it. The mirror is also one of the three sacred objects of the Shinto tradition (the other two items are the sword and the jewel). A mirror did also play an important role in early Shinto mythology. Legend holds that the sun goddess Amaterasu did plunge the world into darkness after taking refuge in a cave while her storm god brother ravaged the earth. The other gods were unable to coax her from her hiding place until a mirror was hung from a tree within sight of Amaterasu. The goddess was so intrigued by the reflected image of her beautiful face that she came out of the cave bringing dawn and returning light to the world.
KamiKami are defined as the gods, spirits as well as the divine forces of nature (wind, rain, thunder, etc) which are revered and respected by Shinto believers. The concept of kami extends deep into the history and culture of ancient Japan and has been influenced by other religions such as Buddhism. The Japanese count the number of Shinto kami as eight million though this number is often used when referring to the concept of infinity.
Kamidana
Kamidana are a type of small Shinto shrine commonly used in Japan by families or even organizations and business to symbolically house the group's patron deity. Kamidana "god shelf" will normally be placed in conspicuous view on a shelf or high wall within an important room such as the family room or in an area where employees or associates work or gather. Kamidana are also used to house sacred tablets called ofuda (lit "honorable plaque") which are inscribed with written prayers and sanctified by a priest. Kamidana are normally not just for show and will commonly receive regular attention from those who live or operate within its sphere of influence. Kamidana (aka zushi) are basically small versions of larger Shinto shrines called Jinja, which are found at the heart of every Japanese community as well as areas of spiritual significance and to mark important natural features such as waterfalls and even the tops of mountains.
Special purpose Japanese Shinto kanai anzen are a special type of omamori luck charm which is blessed with the spirit and power of a Shinto shrine (jinja) and designed to ensure health and wellness and recovery from disease and illness.
An ancient Oriental system of measure which is no longer commonly used by the Japanese but which is still found applied to traditional woodcraft and Shinto religious items. The basic unit of the kanejaku system is the sun. When buying Shinto items in Japan it is not uncommon to find the size information listed in sun units.
Special purpose Japanese Shinto koutsu anzen are a special type of omamori luck charm which is blessed with the spirit and power of a Shinto shrine (jinja) and designed to protect drivers and passengers for any type of vehicle.
Shinto shrine guardians. Many Shinto shrines will include two fierce-looking dog statues guarding their entrance. The dogs (well, actually one is a lion), are normally seen as a pair and are typically found seated just inside the distinctive torii shrine gate. When entering the shrine the figure on the right (that's the lion) with the open mouth is thought to be uttering the sound " ah" (meaning birth) while the figure on the left (dog) makes the sound " un" (meaning death). In combination the two figures are tasked with protecting the sacred ground of the shrine while the sounds they symbolically utter represent the cycle of birth and death. If my description is a bit confusing regarding dog vs. lion then this is because while the figures are historically different animals, contemporary Japanese usually describe both as simply "shrine dogs" or komainu. It is interesting to note that temples for Japan's other major religion Buddhism, often have their own protectors guarding the gates. Buddhist temples are guarded not by komainu, but instead by carved images of deities who are thought to be brothers and who are called the Nio Guardians. The Nio are commonly seen standing with fierce postures on either side of many temple gates. Like the komainu, one brother has his mouth open while the other brother's mouth is closed. Interestingly, the Nio are thought to be uttering the same sounds as the komainu with the same symbolic meaning of birth and death. This fact is yet another example of the interesting and harmonious coexistence in Japan of Buddhism and Shinto, which together form the spiritual foundation of contemporary Japanese life. Please note that komainu are sometimes called shishi which means "stone lion" in Chinese.
Japanese rice throwing ceremony thought to cleanse the home of evil spirits. Please see entry for setsubun.
Special lidded jars used to hold offerings of fresh water placed before a Shinto shrine or household kamidana (zushi). Contemporary mizuire are typically white-colored glass or porcelain and may occupy the foremost position in front of the kamidana. Tradition-minded Japanese may change the water in the mizuire as often as twice a day at which point they also offer prayers to the resident god.
One of two central shrine at the Ise Grand Shrine complex (the other is Geku). Naiku shrine (aka Kotaijingu) is dedicated to the sun goddess Amaterasu.
Japanese Shinto ofuda tablets are special religious plaques which have been blessed and sanctified by a Japanese Shinto priest. Ofuda (lit "honorable plaque") are spiritual talismans used by Japanese within home altars called kamidana (aka zushi) and at home entryways to provide blessing and ward away evil. Ofuda and other luck charms collectively called omamori are commonly replaced at the start of each year as the power of these charms is thought to be only temporary and subject to diminish over time.
Shinto sun goddess also known as Amaterasu is a central figure in the Shinto religion and plays an important role in the god-myth of the Japanese emperor, as members of the imperial household are said to be her direct descendants. The goddess is often associated with the sun and light as it is thought that her blessing can illuminate the lives of those who pray to her. Japan`s Grand Shrine at Ise is dedicated to Amaterasu.
Omamori are special objects blessed with the spirit and power of a Shinto shrine ( jinja). Omamori (lit 'honorable protector') are available from special shrine vendors (photo at left) and are purchased and carried by believers seeking the blessing of god ( kami). The charms are typically simple bits of wood, paper or cloth holding a written prayer and/or the name of a patron deity, and made holy through consecration by a priest. Omamori are normally kept safe within special pouches called omamori bukuro which are then carried or worn by the believer. Ofuda are similar to omamori though the former are typically made of wood and are designed for domestic use, being displayed at the entrance to a home or held within special family shrines called kamidana (god shelf ).
Special home and business decorations used in Japan during the new year celebrations. These Shinto decorations include kado-matsu which are placed on either side of each home entrance, shimenawa which are used with the home altar and shimekazari to decorate the front door of the home. A special type of pounded rice called kagami mochi may also be used as an offering.
Special pouch used to hold and protect Shinto omamori (the word 'bukuro' means pouch). Omamori bukuro are often made of high-quality colored fabric and may be decorated with embroidory identifying the type of omamori contained as well as the name of the shrine where it was received. A braided cord is often included which allows the user to attach the omamori to a bag or other object. Some Shinto omamori will include a clear plastic cover for added protection.
Saisenbako are special religious collection boxes found at the entrance of nearly every Buddhist temple or Shinto shrine in Japan. Worshipers commonly approach the altar and throw a few coins into the saisenbako before offering a prayer. The same type of box is used in Japan for both temples and shrines, though worshipers at a shrine may ring a bell (suzu) before depositing their coins and praying.
Shinto religious altar vases used with kamidana altars are called sakaki tate in Japanese. These special vases are designed specifically for holding small branches displaying leaves from the Asian Sakaki tree (Cleyera japonica) which are placed on either side of a kamidana shrine. The foliage from this tree is important within the Shinto tradition as a religious altar display item, as the dark green sakaki leaves are appreciated by the Japanese for their evergreen appearance and hearty nature which are thought to impart a sense of abundance and longevity to the Shinto religious setting. The respect the Japanese hold for this tree is evident in its name as the word sakaki translates as 'god tree'.
Sanbou
Sanbou are Shinto altar trays are used in Japan to present altar offerings at shrines ( jinja) and kamidana home altars . Altar trays are typically made of Hinoki cypress. This is the prime variety of Japanese cypress and has been known and used in Japan since ancient times. Hinoki woodcraft are normally left unfinished in order that the fine straight grain and natural whiteness may be appreciated. Shrine offerings which are placed upon offering trays may include rice, fruit, wine or other items which may be considered pleasing to the resident kami (deity). Shinto offering stands differ from Buddhist offering stands ( keshoku) in that the latter are commonly round with a lacquer finish while Shinto sanbou are more frequently square shaped with no finish. Sanbou trays are also sometimes used in secular settings in Japan and for formal presentations.
A special Japanese ceremony traditionally performed on the day before the first day of each season. Contemporary Japanese however, typically participate in Setsubun activities on February 3rd which in the past represented the day before the start of the spring season. Community Setsubun events are held at Buddhist temples as well as Shinto shrines while family members may participate in an activity called mamemaki (literally "bean toss") which is thought to symbolically cleanse the home (a form of spiritual spring cleaning). The head of the home (traditionally the father) will done a fierce ogre ( oni) mask while family members toss soy beans at him while chanting oni wa soto fuku wa uchi which roughly translates as "out with bad luck and in with good". In the past when Japanese families were often quite large the role of the oni would be played by the household toshiotoko, identified as the male family member who was born on the same animal year in accordance with the Chinese calendar.
Special purpose Japanese Shinto shiawasemamori are a special type of omamori luck charm which is blessed with the spirit and power of a Shinto shrine ( jinja) and designed to bring happiness into the life of the owner.
Japanese Shinto prayer ropes are called shimenawa and are a common sight at Shinto shrines hanging from the torii shrine gate and above the entrance to the altar. Shimenawa are made of rice straw which is twisted and braided before being bound with string. A wood or wire insert is often used to cause the shimenawa to preserve its shape. Japanese will commonly replace old shimenawa at the start of each year ( shogatsu) and new shimenawa will normally be decorated with specially cut paper inserts. To secure the paper inserts in place one may use a tool like a screwdriver to push the paper into place or simply twist the shimenawa lightly with the hands which will cause the braids to open and allow the paper ends to be slid inside. Shinto Shimenawa were in the past produced in the home by farmers using left over straw from the rice harvest.
ShintoShinto 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 ( jinja) throughout the country to honor and worship these gods. Some Shinto shrines are huge and are devoted to important deities while other shrines are small and may be easily missed when strolling along roads in the countryside.
Shobaihanjo
Special purpose Japanese Shinto shobaihanjo are a special type of omamori luck charm which is blessed with the spirit and power of a Shinto shrine ( jinja) and designed to ensure success with matters of money and business.
New years day. The most important holiday in Japan is the start of the new year on January 1st. Many Japanese will literally ring in the new year by visiting a Buddhist temple in order to strike the temple bell just after midnight and then stay awake until dawn to witness the year`s first sunrise. Shogatsu is normally spent with family who may together visit their community Shinto shrine before making the rounds to greet family and friends. This special day should be relaxing and peaceful and passed without work. Traditional families take this very seriously and will even prepare or purchase special meals called osechi-ryori ahead of time in order to avoid the need to cook on January 1st. Many Japanese will purchase new Shinto religious items at the start of the new year.
Shinto kami of storms and brother of the sun goddess Amaterasu and moon deity Tsukuyomi. Susanno is described as a fierce and aggressive spirit who once drove his sister to hid in a cave thus plunging the world into darkness.
The word suzu means bell in Japanese and may be used to describe the special bells (rattles really) which are found at the entrance to Japanese Shinto shrines and which are used by worshipers to announce their presence to the enshrined kami deity.
Small Japanese dish or tray used to hold food items placed as offerings before the altars of Shinto shrines and smaller home altars called kamidana. These trays are made of wood or ceramic and offerings may include foods such as rice, fruits and vegetables as well as liquids such as water or sake rice wine. Salt is also sometimes offered as an object of purification.
Those who have visited Shinto shrines in Japan may recall passing beneath one or more large gates (mon) at the entrance to the shrine complex. These distinctive structures are called torii in Japanese and are thought to mark the boundary between the secular world and the sanctified grounds of the shrine. In passing beneath a torii one is, in fact, making his or her initial approach towards the inner sanctuary, and accordingly many Japanese will first bow before stepping under the gate. Shinto shrines may include multiple gates, and paths within the shrine may be lined with dozens of closely set torii which together create the effect of a long, enclosed corridor. Believers may use their walk through such passages as an aid in helping to clear their mind of worldly distractions and in preparation for making an appearance before the enshrined deity. Torii gates are traditionally made of wood though it is not uncommon to see gates made of metal, concrete, stone or other durable material. Many wooden torii are unpainted and over time will take on a beautiful weathered appearance much in keeping with the shrine's natural-looking landscape. Torii are often produced using local timber and therefore shrines which are located in high mountain forests may feature torii constructed simply from a few rough cut conifers. Such torii blend in nicely with the surrounding forest and are emblematic of the Japanese love of nature. Though the torii has become a symbol of Japan as a country it is nevertheless a very unique and important part of the Shinto religious tradition.
Special purpose Japanese Shinto yakuyoke are a special type of omamori luck charm which is blessed with the spirit and power of a Shinto shrine (jinja) and designed to provide protection during bad luck years. These years are different for men and woman and are identified as ages 19, 33 and 37 for men and 25, 42 and 61 for women. The Japanese traditionally count age from the time of conception so one year needs to be subtracted when applied in cultures where age is measured from the time of birth. Bad luck years are taken seriously in Japan where people are often extra cautious with their actions and choices during these times and may seek guidance from spiritual advisors and priests.
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