SHINTO

Shinto ----History Shinto started out in Ancient Japan around 500 BC. The word Shinto comes from the Chinese words “Shin Tao” (Way of the Gods). The origins of Shinto are lost to history. The ancient Yamato tribe became the leaders of Japan around 8 th Century AD and made Shinto the official religion of Japan.

Major Beliefs Most Shinto stories involve the “Kami” (God). One important story involves a divine couple named Izanagi & Izanami who gave birth to the Japanese islands as well as the main deity in Shinto, Amaterasu, who was the Sun Goddess. Amaterasu’s brother, Susano (God of the Sea & Storms), decended from the heavens and roamed the Earth. He is famous for killing a great evil dragon named Orochi. There are numerous other Kami’s for various things such as elements of nature, guardian Kami’s of certain areas, and even Buddha.

Teachings All of humanity are considered children of the Kami’s and are considered sacred. Followers reverse the Kami’s “Musuhi” (Powers) as they have “Makoto” (Sincerity or True Heart). The “Four Affirmations” are four rules that people follow in Shinto. 1. Tradition & Family 2. Love of Nature 3. Physical Cleanliness 4. “Matsuri”: The festival that honors the spirits

Religious Leaders The central Kami in Shinto is Amaterasu, the sun Goddess. The imperial family are considered the direct descendents of her and thus are considered the religious leaders of Shinto.

Areas of the World Shinto is primarily located in Japan as that is where it originated from and Japanese people have been following it for many years. 40% of Japanese adults follow Shinto while 86% of Japanese adults follow a combination of Shinto and Buddhism. In North America and Canada there are around 1000 followers of Shinto.

Shinto Symbols One of the main symbols of Shinto is the Torii Gate. It represents a gateway to a sacred area. Torii Gates are usually seen in front of shrines or other sacred areas in order to show that they are sacred.