What is Shintoism?
Shintoism was the most popular religion in Feudal Japan. Their worship took place in Shinto shrines and they did prayed in a specific way, taking their time in worshipping and making sure they do it perfectly.
Shinto worship
Shinto originates from the meaning ‘way of the
kami’
Shinto’s believe cleanliness is everything, wash
hands and face before leaving house to worship.
You would have to pour water on your hands to purify yourself then
swish the water round your mouth and spit it back on your hands.
Normally only one person would be allowed at the shrine at a time
unless it was spacious enough for two.
You would:
Climb the stair. Throw your coin (often a
hyakuen) in to the sasenbako (offerings box). Then ring the suzu (bell) firmly a
couple times. Take step back, bow twice, and then clap twice. Spend a few
moments in prayer, if you like. Then bow
again.
kami’
Shinto’s believe cleanliness is everything, wash
hands and face before leaving house to worship.
You would have to pour water on your hands to purify yourself then
swish the water round your mouth and spit it back on your hands.
Normally only one person would be allowed at the shrine at a time
unless it was spacious enough for two.
You would:
Climb the stair. Throw your coin (often a
hyakuen) in to the sasenbako (offerings box). Then ring the suzu (bell) firmly a
couple times. Take step back, bow twice, and then clap twice. Spend a few
moments in prayer, if you like. Then bow
again.
Shinto Priests
Do you want to know how to become a shinto Priest? Here are four ways to acheive just that:
1.You must have the physical abilities to become a Shinto priest. They have to sit in a certain position called seiza
(a position with your legs folded beneath
you). You must be able to move in and out of this position easily.
2.You will need to be able to sit in the same position for a long period of time.
You have to be able to do complicated physical movements
for long periods of time.
3. You will need a high level of physical grace, balance and
control. Different forms of martial arts will help you achieve this or study in
Odori or Budo would also be helpful.
4.You will probably need to learn the Japanese
language.
5. Join your shrines
educational programme. Almost all shrines have them.
1.You must have the physical abilities to become a Shinto priest. They have to sit in a certain position called seiza
(a position with your legs folded beneath
you). You must be able to move in and out of this position easily.
2.You will need to be able to sit in the same position for a long period of time.
You have to be able to do complicated physical movements
for long periods of time.
3. You will need a high level of physical grace, balance and
control. Different forms of martial arts will help you achieve this or study in
Odori or Budo would also be helpful.
4.You will probably need to learn the Japanese
language.
5. Join your shrines
educational programme. Almost all shrines have them.
Shinto Clothing
This is a hakama
Special clothing is part of everyday life for the Shinto
religion. There is a:
- Fundoshi – This is an underwear worn by
men - Hakama – This was traditionally worn by men and is usually
worn over the kimono - Senninari – It is a strip of white cloth that has 1000
stitches of red thread. It is given to men that are going to war and is a
part of their traditional culture.
A Shintos Place of Worship
The Shintoism religion worship in shrines. The main part of a
shrine is the Shinden or Honden. Other buildings include the Haiden (the outer
hall), the Homotsuden (the treasury). They are not arranged in any specific
order. You would find many lucky charms in a Shinto shrine. They are used to
determine the will of the gods or to communicate with the gods and ask for their
protection. The chief priest in a shrine is called a Kannushi. He takes
responsibility for all the religious observances and the running of a shrine.
shrine is the Shinden or Honden. Other buildings include the Haiden (the outer
hall), the Homotsuden (the treasury). They are not arranged in any specific
order. You would find many lucky charms in a Shinto shrine. They are used to
determine the will of the gods or to communicate with the gods and ask for their
protection. The chief priest in a shrine is called a Kannushi. He takes
responsibility for all the religious observances and the running of a shrine.