Shinto

The native religion of Japan, Shintoism, incorporates aspects of polytheism, animism, and ancestor worship. It has no defined origins; there is no founder or founding date, but, although early Japanese history is not precisely defined, it is assumed that the religion simply developed along with traditional Japanese beliefs with the rise of Japan. Shintoism does not have a sacred text such as the Bible or Koran either. Shinto gods are called kami and are living spirits which take the form of ideas and aspects, especially of nature, that are important to humans, such as wind, rain, mountains, trees, and fertility. Kami are worshipped at holy Shinto shrines known as jinja. Shintoism was heavily impacted by Buddhism which came to Japan through the rise of Sinification, the spread of Chinese influence, in the 6th century CE. Confucianism as well as traditional Chinese thought also impacted Shintoism during this time period. Buddhism and Shintoism, which saw a few conflicts at first, grew to co-exist and even complement each other. This faith is still practiced in Japan today.

Created by: Frances Grimball November 9, 2008 Edited by Rachelle 11/9/08 Edited by: Alexa DeAntonio November 10, 2008

Unit 4 Terms.

http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/540856/Shinto