2. Population: UNKNOWN Location: Many traditional societies throughout the world – Particularly Africa and the Americas – (southeast Asia too) ANIMISM

3. Traditional African people developed belief systems that helped them understand and organize information about their world. Developed throughout many parts of the world throughout the course of history

4. Places of Worship  Rituals take place outdoors in nature

5. Beliefs  Belief in a supreme being with lesser spirits and gods  Everything in nature has a soul  Ex.) plants, animals, natural forces, rocks, people…everything!!  Ancestor worship:  Believe the souls of the dead can have an impact on daily life GOOD OR BAD!!!

6. Religious Leaders  Shaman  Medicine man or woman  Conducts ceremonies

7. Religious Leaders  Diviners:  Served as interpreters  Job was to explain misfortune

8. Religious Leaders  Healers  Helped families become aware of problems, along with providing remedies

10. Current Population  2.8 Million

11. Location  Mostly Japan

12. Origins  Developed around 500 BC in the Japanese archipelago  No one founder-  Evolved from tribal religions with similar views and beliefs Above: Izanami-no-Mikoto and Izanagi-no-Mikoto (Shinto Creators)

13. Places of worship  Shrines are resurrected in places of natural beauty or areas of historical importance YASUKUNI SHRINE TOKYO, JAPAN

14. Beliefs  Shinto=  “way of the gods”  Worship kami (spirits) found in living and non living things  Controls natural forces such as typhoons and earthquakes

15. Beliefs Continued  Carry a deep respect for nature  Reverence for ancestors  Ancestor worship

16. Famous Writings  Kokiji- Record of Ancient Matters  Nikong- Chronicles of Japan

17. Religious leaders  The emperor of Japan was considered a descendent of the Sun Goddess (Amaterasu) who created the islands of Japan  Note: Emperor Hirohito renounced divinity and political authority after WWII