1.
3 Symbols of the Emperor: Sword, Jewel, Mirror
(Sword and jewel kept by the Emperor, the mirror kept by Eshai shrine).
2.
Amaterasu: Sun Goddess that rules over all things, produced by Izangi, all Japanese emperors claim to be decent from
3.
Animation: Everything has a spirit (kami)
(why they respect nature)
(especially anything that inspires awe or fear has kami)
4.
First Emperor: Amaterasu sent her own grandson (Ame-no-hohi) to rule in 667 B.C.
5.
gods: has many gods/ kami
6.
Imperial Family: Traces its' lineage back to the Amaterasu, so the Emperor is half god.
7.
Kami: "spirit"
8.
pre-WW 2: 1. Shinto was the state religion (patriotic religion)
(used and abused for WW 2)
2. Before WW 2, shrines were backed by the state, now they receive $ from the community (mostly festivals, blessings and purifications)
9.
Process of invoking the god of a shrine: 1. ring bell
2. pay $
3. clap hands twice
4. bow
5. clap again once
10.
Shinto: Is the history of Japan (populated by the gods-divine)
11.
Shinto Shrines: Annual festivals; each is dedicated to a particular god. Located all over Japan from valleys to mountains.
Shrines are believed to be chosen by certain kami to inhabit based on their sacred atmosphere. Also have many gates leading into it.
12.
Shintoism: the native religion and former ethnic cult of Japan.
13.
Sun Goddess myth: The sun goddess was offended by the wind god, so she hid in a cave. The other gods tricked her by saying there was someone as radiant (if not more so) then her. She peeked out, and they had a mirror ready, so she saw herself, thinking it was someone else. (mythopoetic story)
14.
The Practice of Shinto: 1. No rules or regulations
2. No set of doctrine
3. No idea of what happens after death
4. More of a philosophy than a religion (used to cope)
5. Shinto worship is going to the temple to ask for favors