The An is a small table, desk or platform used during Shinto ceremonies to bear offerings. It may have four, eight or sixteen legs; the eight-legged variety, called hassoku-an or hakkyaku-an ( 八足案, 八脚案 , lit. "eight-legged table") , is the most common.

Shinto, indigenous religious beliefs and practices of Japan. The word, which literally means ‘the way of kami’ (generally sacred or divine power, specifically the various gods or deities), came into use to distinguish indigenous Japanese beliefs from Buddhism, which had been introduced into Japan in the 6th century CE.

Shinto (Japanese: 神道, romanized: Shintō; also called Shintoism) is a religion originating in Japan. Classified as an East Asian religion by scholars of religion, its practitioners often regard it as Japan's indigenous religion and as a nature religion.

Apr 3, 2017 · Shinto means 'way of the gods' and it is the oldest religion in Japan. Shinto's key concepts include purity, harmony, family respect, and subordination of the individual before the group. The faith has no founder or prophets and there is …

Apr 23, 2019 · Shinto (meaning the way of the gods) is the oldest indigenous system of belief in Japanese history. Its beliefs and rituals are practiced by more than 112 million people. Key Takeaways: Shinto Worship. At the core of Shinto is the belief in and worship of kami—the essence of spirit that can be present in all things.

Shinto (literally “the way of the gods”) is Japan's native belief system and predates historical records. The many practices, attitudes, and institutions that have developed to make up Shinto revolve around the Japanese land and seasons and their relation with the human inhabitants.

Shinto ("the way of the gods") is the indigenous faith of the Japanese people and as old as Japan itself. It remains Japan's major religion alongside Buddhism. Shinto does not have a founder nor does it have sacred scriptures like the sutras or the Bible.

Jul 6, 2020 · Shinto, which means “the way of the Gods” or “Kami” (spirits), as they are referred to, is the oldest religion of the Japanese indigenous people. Shintoism dates back to around the sixth century B.C.E.

Shinto is the generic native religion of Japan, pre-dating Buddhism to the extent of being prehistorical, and is associated with traditional Japanese culture 2. It is animistic - with spirits inhabiting all kinds of objects and places, collectively being called Kami. There are no sacred books nor central authorities 3.

Nov 5, 2024 · Shinto, Japan’s indigenous religion, emphasizes the sacredness of nature, ancestral spirits, and ritual purity. It promotes harmony with the natural world and a reverence for tradition, shaping Japanese culture and society throughout history.