Vocabulary of Shintoism

Amaterasu: The sun goddess, the chief deity worshipped in Shintoism.

Bushido Code: Literally, “the warrior-knight-way.” The code practiced by the military class of the feudal period (Samurai) which has held a fascination with the Japanese people throughout its history. The code is an unwritten system of behavior stressing loyalty to emperor and country.

Emperor Meiji: The Japanese emperor who established Shinto as the state religion of Japan.

Harakiri: The ceremonial suicide committed by the Bushido warrior performed as an atonement for failure or bad judgment. The warrior believed death was to be preferred to disgrace.

Hondon: The inner sanctuary of a Shinto shrine in which is housed the Shintai, or “god body.”

Izanagi: The “female-who-invites.” The female deity who, according to the Shinto Myth, gave birth to the eight islands of Japan.

Izanami: The “male-who-invites.” The male deity who, along with the female deity Izanagi, helped produce the Japanese islands and the Japanese people.

Jigai: The method of suicide consisting of cutting the jugular vein. It is committed by females as an atonement for their sins.

Kami: The sacred power found in both animate and inanimate objects. This power is deified in Shintoism.

Kami Dama: “The god shelf” which is found in most private homes on which are placed memorial tablets with the names of an ancestor or deity inscribed on it.

Ko-Ji-Ki: The “records of ancient matters” composed in 712 A.D., charting the imperial ancestors and the imperial court.

Mikado: A term used by foreigners to designate the emperor of Japan.

Nihon-Gi: The “chronicles of Japan” composed around 720 A.D. This work is a history of Japan from its origin until 700 A.D.

O-Harai: “The Great Purification.” The greatest of all Shinto ceremonies by which the people go through a national purging of their sins.

Ryobu Shinto: Also known as “dual aspect Shinto.” The term refers to the mixing of Shintoism with Buddhism and Confucianism.

Shintai: An object of worship housed in the inner sanctuary of a Shinto shrine. The Shintai is usually an object of little value, such as a sword or mirror, but it supposedly contains magical powers and consequently is viewed as a good-luck charm.

Shinto: The term Shinto is derived from the Chinese term Shen-tao, meaning the “way of the higher spirits.” Shinto is the designation for the religion that was long characterized Japan and its people.

Shinto Myth: The belief that the islands of Japan and the Japanese people are of divine origin.

State Shinto: The patriotic ritual, established in 1882, which worshipped the emperor as the direct descendant of the gods. State Shinto was abolished at the end of World War II.

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This page last modified on Friday, October 24, 2008