Skip to main content
 

Shinto

Shinto is the primary religion of Japan, though some do not call it a religion and consider it more as a custom or tradition, known as "the way". Shinto literally means "Way of the Gods". It is different from many religions in that it has no official founder or religious texts. 

Origin: Formally established in Japan in the 8th century CE, Shinto serves as the foundation of many cultural practices in Japan and is closely tied to the country's history and culture. There are many different sects or varying ways to practice Shinto though they all have the same basic foundation. 

Key Concepts: Shinto is polytheistic, meaning it believes in multiple deities. It revolves around the belief in kami (spirits or deities) that inhabit natural elements, objects, and ancestors. It emphasizes purity, rituals, and reverence for nature and focuses on adapting to the pragmatic requirements of life and place emphasis on tradition, family, nature, cleanliness and ritual observances.

Practices: Shinto practices include visiting shrines, performing purification rituals, and celebrating festivals (matsuri).  It is often intertwined with Japanese daily life and events. Kami are worshiped at household shrines and public shrines.

 

Shinto Holidays & Festivals

There isn't a fixed calendar of holidays in Shintoism as there is in some other religions, though there are several important festivals and ceremonies that are observed throughout the year.

Hatsumode (New Year's Visit to Shrines) is the practice of visiting Shinto shrines during the first few days of the new year (January 1st to 3rd). It is the most important Shinto observance of the year, with millions of people making pilgrimages to shrines to pray for blessings, good fortune, and cleansing of impurities.

Setsubun is typically observed on February 3rd or 4th, and marks the changing of the seasons from winter to spring. A common tradition during Setsubun is mamemaki, where people throw roasted soybeans to drive away evil spirits and invite good luck into their homes.

Hinamatsuri (Doll Festival) is celebrated on March 3rd, and is a festival that involves displaying a set of ornamental dolls representing the imperial court during the Heian period. It is a day to pray for the health and happiness of young girls in the family.

Hanami (Cherry Blossom Viewing) is not a religious holiday but a cultural tradition in Japan. People gather to appreciate the beauty of cherry blossoms in spring, typically during late March to early April. Some Shinto rituals and blessings may be performed under cherry blossom trees.

Kodomono-hi (Children's Day) is celebrated on May 5th, Children's Day is a national holiday in Japan. It was originally known as Boys' Day but has been renamed to include the celebration of all children. Families display koinobori (carp-shaped windsocks) and other decorations to wish for the well-being and success of their children.

Shichi-Go-San (Seven-Five-Three Festival) is not a specific date but a celebration held on November 15th or the nearest weekend to it. Families dress up and visit Shinto shrines to pray for the health and growth of children who have reached the ages of three, five, or seven.

Omisoka (New Year's Eve) is celebrated on December 31st, is the last day of the year. Many people visit shrines to participate in joya no kane, a bell-ringing ceremony that rings out the old year and rings in the new one.

Haru-no-yabu (Early Spring Ritual) is held at the beginning of spring, around late February to early March, to pray for a good harvest and to ensure the well-being of the local community.

 

Daily Fun & Noteworthy Holidays