What shrine(jinja)?
Shrines are ritual institutions based on the beliefs of Shinto, a religion unique to Japan . The deities worshipped are gods of production, heavenly deities, ancestral deities of the imperial family and clans, and the spirits of great men and warriors . According to data from Japanese government agencies, there are approximately 85,000 shrines in Japan, and more than 100,000 if unregistered smaller shrines are included.
Shinto deities are the objects of worship, and as they are called “Yaoyorozu,” there is a great variety of deities. They include mountains, rivers, lakes, and marshes considered sacred, folk deities not belonging to the ancient gods of Japan, real or legendary figures, deities of the Yin-Yang and Taoist religions, and foreign deities such as some Buddhist deities that escaped the separation of Shintoism and Buddhism.
Summary and Origin of Shinto Shrines
Origin and History of Shinto Shrines
Shinto shrines are traditional religious facilities in Japan that primarily gather the faith of Shintoism. Shinto is a religion that expresses gratitude and worships gods and the power of nature, and shrines are considered the center of this faith. Shrines have a main building or shrine dedicated to the gods, an altar for ceremonies, and a wide area called the precincts. Shrines are also an integral part of local culture and traditions, and hold great importance for the local community. The role of shrines is to protect the presence of the gods and pray for the prosperity and peace of the region. Additionally, regular festivals and rituals are conducted at shrines, where local people participate in expressing gratitude and making wishes. Shrines also serve as a place where people show respect, purify their hearts, and reflect on themselves.
The origin of shrines dates back to ancient times. In ancient Japan, deep respect was paid to the power of nature and the existence of gods, and places were created to enshrine these gods. The first shrines revered trees and rocks as sacred objects, and later shrines and altars were built. The history of shrines is deeply intertwined with the history of Japan. Shrines evolved over time and became the center of regional faith. They were also influenced by political changes during the Sengoku period and the Edo period. Today, shrines are an important part of Japanese culture and traditions, and many people visit them to pray and enjoy festivals.
Architectural Style and Design of Shrines
Shrines have characteristic structures and designs that vary depending on the region and era, but generally have the following features. Within the shrine precincts, there are main buildings or shrines and altars. The shrine is a building dedicated to the gods, and the altar is where ceremonies and rituals are held. Shrine buildings are primarily made of wood or stone. In particular, the roofs have distinctive shapes that express their sacredness. Within the shrine grounds, there are torii gates, stone steps, and gardens. These elements symbolize the entrance to sacred places and the path to walk on.
- The shrine is a building dedicated to the gods, and the altar is where ceremonies and rituals are held.
- Shrine buildings are primarily made of wood or stone. In particular, the roofs have distinctive shapes that express their sacredness.
- Within the shrine grounds, there are torii gates, stone steps, and gardens. These elements symbolize the entrance to sacred places and the path to walk on.
Architectural Styles and Influences on Shrines
The architectural style of shrines has evolved from ancient times to the present. Here are some representative architectural styles and their influences.
- “Shiki nennzouei” developed during the Heian period (794-1180)and involved constructing or renovating shrines when there was a new emperor or a new era name. This style became an important element for expressing the status of shrines.
- During the Kamakura period(1192-1331), the “Kamakura style” emerged, influenced by Buddhism and Chinese culture. This style brought a sense of beauty and balance to shrine buildings and gardens.
- In modern times, “Western-style shrines” influenced by Western architectural styles began to be built. This diversified shrine architecture and also influenced contemporary Japanese architecture.
Main Deities and Worship in Shrines
Various deities are enshrined in shrines.
Here are some of the major deities and their characteristics.
- Amaterasu Omikami: Amaterasu Omikami is the most important deity in Japanese mythology and is revered as the goddess of the sun.
- Susano-o no Mikoto: Susano-o no Mikoto is a god of the sea, wind, agriculture, and is worshiped for bountiful harvests and safe navigation.
- Toyouke Omikami: Toyouke Omikami is revered as the protector of clothing, food, shelter, and industries.
However, many gods have appeared in Japanese mythology, and many other gods are enshrined in shrines throughout Japan.
Significance of Worship and Festivals in Shrines
Worshiping at shrines holds significant meaning as part of Japanese tradition and culture. By visiting shrines, the following meanings are expressed
- Expressing gratitude: : Shrines are considered places to express gratitude to nature and ancestors, and by worshiping, people can show their gratitude.
- Praying for wishes: People can pray for their wishes at shrines, especially during trials or difficult times when they seek help from the gods.
- Purification of the heart: The shrine grounds are considered sacred spaces, and by visiting, people can purify their hearts.
The deities worshiped and the beliefs in shrines may vary among regions and individuals, but shrines hold great importance for many people.
Festivals and Celebrations in Shrines
Various events and festivals are held throughout the year in shrines. Here are some examples.
- Hatsumode : Hatsumode is a ritual carried out on January 1st every year to celebrate the beginning of a new year and to make wishes to the gods.
- Setsubun : Setsubun is held on February 3rd every year to ward off evil and welcome good fortune, using beans and demon masks.
- Shichi-Go-San : Shichi-Go-San is a ceremony held on November 15th every year, where children aged 3, 5, and 7 visit shrines for purification rites and to pray for their growth.
The Meaning of Matsuri and Its Role at Shrines祭りの意味と神社での役割
Matsuri play an important role in preserving Japanese tradition and culture. Shrines are the focal point of festivals and play the following roles
- Expression of gratitude to the gods: Expression of gratitude to the gods Festivals are occasions to express gratitude to nature for its blessings and to the gods.Participants bring offerings to the shrine to express their gratitude to the gods.
- Community cohesion and exchange: Festivals are an opportunity for the community to unite and deepen exchange. Festivals play an important role in strengthening community cohesion.
- Passing on traditions: Festivals are important opportunities to keep long-standing traditions alive. Through festivals, traditions are passed on to younger generations.
Shrine events and festivals are valuable opportunities to experience Japanese culture and climate. These events are important to the community and attract many participants.
Procedures and Manners for Worship at Shrines
Proper Procedures and Manners for Shrine Worship
In Japan, there are set procedures and manners for visiting shrines. Some of them are introduced below.
Passing through the torii gate Passing through the torii gate at the entrance to the shrine.Generally, the torii gate is entered from the left side.When passing through the torii gate, bow. This is a greeting when entering a shrine, the abode of the gods.
After entering the shrine, wash your hands and purify them in the hand-watering basin.
Rei: When you arrive at the main shrine, bow first. Then clap your hands twice and join your palms together. When you have finished praying, bow.
Oseisen is a donation made by worshippers at Japanese shrines and temples. This is done as part of their financial support to help maintain and operate the shrine or temple. Offering coins generally range from small coins to several thousand yen and are placed in a specific box or container before the worshipper joins his or her hands.
Important points regarding money offerings are as follows
Expression of the worshipper’s spirit: The donation of money is one of the ways in which worshippers express their respect and gratitude to a shrine or temple. By making a donation, the worshipper expresses his/her gratitude and prayers to the Shinto priest or shrine maiden.
Purpose of Osoisen Osoisen are mainly used for maintenance and repair of shrines and temples, holding festivals, and operating expenses of shrines and temples. They may also be used for other community service activities and charitable projects.
Differences in form: Different shrines and temples use different boxes or containers for monetary offerings. For example, at shrines, money is usually placed in a box in the hall of worship, while at temples it may be placed in a box in front of the altar or hall.
Suggested Amounts of Money The amount of money to be donated depends on the intentions and financial situation of the worshipper; most people start with 5 yen, 10 yen, and 50 yen coins, but 100 yen, 500 yen, and 1,000 yen coins are common.
Offering money and prayer By paying money, you can pray at shrines and temples. Prayers are offered for health, safety, prosperous business, academic success, etc. Osoisen is a common custom in Japanese religious places and is part of strengthening the bond between the worshipper and the shrine or temple.
How to Throw Money When throwing money after praying at a shrine, do not hand it directly to the person who is praying, but rather place it in the money box.
Manners for Worship and Prayer at Shrines
It is important to observe the following manners when visiting shrines and receiving prayers.
- Visit shrines quietly Silence is expected at shrines, so do not speak loudly or make noise.
- Photography When taking photographs, keep in mind that the shrine is a sacred place and do not disturb those around you. Some shrines prohibit photography.
- Follow instructions: There may be specific rules and instructions within the shrine, so be sure to follow them.
- Dress appropriately for the occasion: Shrines are sacred places, so dress as nicely as possible.
Visiting a shrine is a rare opportunity to experience Japanese culture and customs. It is important to observe proper etiquette and manners in order to purify your body and mind and to show respect to the gods.
Relationship between Shrines and Japanese Culture
The Sacredness of Shrines and the Japanese People’s Religious Beliefs
Shrines are very important and sacred places for Japanese people. Japanese people have a deep religious belief in shrines and visit them to show their respect to the gods. Shrines are part of Japanese culture and tradition and are respected as sacred.
Influence of Shrines in Traditional Japanese Culture
Shrines play an important role in traditional Japanese culture. Shrine visits are seen as a familiar part of daily life for the Japanese people, and many cultural events and festivals are held at shrines. Through shrines, visitors can experience traditional Japanese events and customs. Shrines are also part of Japan’s history and architecture, and their beauty and character also appeal to many people.
Shrines play an important role in Japanese culture and traditions and are special to many people. Visiting a shrine, while observing the proper way to worship and etiquette, is a valuable opportunity to experience Japanese culture and customs. Purify your body and soul at a shrine and show respect to the gods.
