Shinto Flashcards
What are the kami in Shinto?
Sacred spirits in nature, ancestors, and important people.
E.g- A mountain, tree, river, fox
Who is the most important kami?
Amaterasu, the Sun Goddess.
What happens if people upset the kami?
Misfortune or disharmony may happen.
E.g. A bad harvest, illness in the family, natural disasters
Why do people worship the kami?
To stay in harmony with them and receive blessings.
E.g- People pray for good health, success in exams, safe childbirth, or protection from disasters.
Why are purification rituals important in Shinto?
To keep people pure and ready to connect with the kami.
E.g- Before entering a shrine, people wash hands and mouth or walk through a Torii gate to symbolically purify.
What are Shinto’s beliefs about nature and spirits?
Nature is sacred and full of kami.
E.g- A waterfall or an ancient tree may be worshipped
What sacred texts are used in Shinto?
The Kojiki and Nihon Shoki (myths and traditions).
E.g- These texts tell stories like the birth of Japan and the divine origin of Amaterasu
What is a key Shinto value in ethics?
Purity and harmony with others and nature.
E.g- People clean their homes before New Year to remove spiritual impurity.
What is a common Shinto ritual?
Purification, shrine visits, and offering to kami.
E.g- Throwing coins, clapping twice, and bowing when visiting a shrine to show respect.
How does Shinto view nature?
Nature is sacred and must be respected.
E.g- Many people avoid harming natural places like forests and rivers
What are Shinto sacred places called?
Shrines (jinja), marked by Torii gates.
E.g- Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto
How is Shinto part of Japanese culture?
It’s part of everyday life, identity, and traditions
E.g- People visit shrines at New Year or for blessings during life events like exams or weddings.
What role did the Emperor have in Shinto?
He was seen as a descendant of Amaterasu.
E.g- The Japanese Emperor performs rituals to honor the kami
Why are festivals important in Shinto society?
They bring people together and honor the kami.
E.g- Tanabata Festival or Obon involves dance, lanterns, and praying to ancestral spirits.
What is the Shinto view of life and death?
Life is sacred and death is impure, but nature renews life.
E.g-:Death-related rituals are often done outside shrines to keep the area spiritually clean.
What is a Matsuri in Shinto?
A festival to honor the kami and celebrate the seasons.
E.g- Gion Matsuri in Kyoto includes floats, parades, music,
How does Matsuri help individuals?
It brings spiritual renewal and cultural connection.
E.g- People feel joy, pray for personal wishes, and show gratitude to the kami.
How does Matsuri help the community?
It builds unity, joy, and respect for tradition.
E.g- Whole towns join in decorating, dancing, and sharing food, creating a stronger community bond.
What do people do at a Matsuri?
Dance, give offerings, pray, and celebrate together.
E.g- Carrying a portable shrine, lighting lanterns, and playing taiko drums.
Why is Matsuri important in Shinto?
It connects people with the kami and strengthens harmony.
E.g- It’s a time to thank the spirits for blessings like food, safety, or seasonal change.
