Shinto

Glossary of Shinto Names and Terms

Amaterasu The sun goddess, who was born when Izanagi washed his left eye.

Bushido The code of the warrior, comparable to the code of medieval chivalry; “the Warrior-Knight Way”

Harai Ritual purification made preparatory to communion with the kami.

Haraiguishi Traditional purification wands used by the Shinto priests.

Ise the location of the Grand Shrine of Ise dedicated to Amaterasu.

Izanagi Primeval kami of the sky. He and his wife, Izanami, created the Japanese islands.

Izanami Primeval kami of the earth. She gave birth to a number of the islands of Japan and thirty-five deities.

Jimmu The grandson of Ningi and first emperor of Japan.

Kami Powers or divine beings which reside in all things; they can bless or, if not appropriately treated, can cause unhappiness in life.

Kami-dana Household shrine where prayers and daily offerings to the kami are made.

Kami no michi Literally, “way of the gods”; native Japanese term for Shinto

Koliki “Record of Ancient Matters”; contains the basic story of the Shinto myth.

Matsuri Festivals at Shinto shrines.

Naorai Sacred meal “shared” with the kami as a symbol of communion; often consists of a sip of rice wine, but may be a full banquet on certain occasions.

Nihongi “Chronicles of Japan”; also known as the Nihon Shoki. Like the Kojiki, it contains the basic myth about the creation of Japan.

Niname Matsuri Harvest festival at which the emperor offers first fruits to the kami.

Ninigi The grandson of Amaterasu and the first ruler of Japan.

Norito Prayers offered at home or communal shrines accompanied by ritual bowing and hand-clapping

Ohari “Great Purification,” a twice yearly festival in which the whole of Japan and her people are purified.

Omizuya Ablution pavilion at the entrance of a shrine.

Sakaki An evergreen tree whose foliage is symbolic of purification.

Samurai The military class of the Japanese feudal tradition; comparable to knights in the Western feudal tradition.

Shinsen Offerings made to the kami at home (usually food or drink) or at a shrine (usually money, but may be goods, food, drink, or symbolic offerings).

Shinto Name of the religion, meaning, “way of the gods”; derived from the Chinese “shen” (gods) and “tao” (way).

Shoguns Military leaders of Japan during its feudal era and the actual powers behind the emperor until the Meiji restoration.

Susano The storm god and mischievous brother of Amaterasu; cerated when Izanagi washed his nose.

Torii The gate before a shrine which separates the mundane world from the sacred enclosure.

Tsuki-yomi The moon god, who was created when Izanagi washed his right eye.