-‘way of the gods’ -It is the native religion of the Japanese people SHINTO -‘way of the gods’ -It is the native religion of the Japanese people DOWNTOWN TOKYO

Shinto is unique in that it has no founder, no written scriptures or religious laws, no prophet. But there is in Shinto, ‘Four Affirmations’. These are: Family and tradition. The family is where tradition is safeguarded. Celebrations are for birth and marriage. Nature worship. Nature is sacred, so to commune with nature is to commune with the gods. Things found in nature are considered deities (gods). Physical cleanliness. Baths, hand washing, and mouth rinsing are practiced often. ‘Matsuri’. Kami and ancestral spirits are sacred and worshiped.

The Japanese seek support from Shinto by visiting shrines in order to pray for good fortune and to avoid evil spirits before special events. Some even have Shinto shrines in their homes. Shrines are the places of worship and the dwellings of the kami.

Most wedding ceremonies are held in Shinto style

Omiya-mairi is a celebration of a baby's first vist to a Shinto shrine Omiya-mairi is a celebration of a baby's first vist to a Shinto shrine. Traditionally, this happens one month after the birth of any Japanese baby for his/her first official public outing, and for a blessing from the Shinto priest.  Little children traditionally dress up to mark the Shichi-Go-San Festival to celebrate when children reach the ages of three, five and seven. Many Japanese families who have three and seven-year-old girls and five-year-old boys visit Shinto shrines to wish for healthy growth and give thanks to their ancestors.

Shinto prayers follow a pattern: 1. First of all you should purify yourself by cleaning your hands and your mouth with clean water. 2. After you cleanse yourself, you give your offerings (coins at a shrine or food at the home shrine). 3. Bow twice deeply, clap your hands twice, bow deeply once more and pray

Wishes are written on small wooden boards and left for the kami.

Torii – entrance gates to a shrine Torii – entrance gates to a shrine. It separates the secular world from the spiritual world. Traditionally they are built of timber and many are colored red and black.

Shinto shrines almost never include a cemetery because death is basically thought to be evil. Most Japanese cemeteries are Buddhist, and funerals are conducted according to Buddhist rituals.

OBON (FESTIVAL OF THE DEAD) During the week of Obon, lanterns are hung to guide ancestors home. Obon is a week long celebration with fireworks, dancing, and feasts. Families visit their ancestors tomb to show respect and give thanks.

The festival ends with toro-nagashi, or the floating of lanterns The festival ends with toro-nagashi, or the floating of lanterns. Lanterns symbolizing the spirits of the deceased are taken to the river to guide the ancestors’ return to the world of the dead. This ceremony usually culminates in a fireworks display. The purpose of Obon is to repay the obligation and show gratitude to your ancestors. There is a Buddhist saying – “ The weight of obligations we owe to our parents is as boundless as the heavens.”