Shugendo (mountain asceticism) used to be one of Japan’s best-kept secrets, mainly because it was banned by the Meiji ideologues in 1872 and not made legal again until 1942. That it survived is testimony to its robustness and to … Read the rest
Category: Syncretism (Page 12 of 17)
PAGAN’S DELIGHT
For a neo-pagan, Japan is a magical treasure-house of sacred sites and power spots. Many date back to prehistoric times, their origins obscured by a mist thicker even than that of ancient Avalon. There are swords here … Read the rest
One of the striking facets of kami worship in Japan is how much of it lies outside the official parameters of Shinto. This is evident above all in the syncretic festivals and places of worship, where kami worship … Read the rest
Now that the Gion Festival has come to an end, Kyoto is looking forward to Obon and the days of the dead in mid-August. The highlight of the festival is the Sending Off (Okuribi) of the spirits of the dead … Read the rest
The Gion Matsuri goes on! Though the parade is over, the month-long festival continues. The floats have been disassembled and put away for another year, though the mikoshi of Yasaka Jinja are still at their otabisho (resting place) on Shijo … Read the rest
In the middle ages it was Kumano. In the Edo period it was Ise. Now it seems to be the 88 temples of Shikoku that are Japan’s prime pilgrimage destination.
Amy Chavez has recently published a book on running … Read the rest
Daikoku (aka Daikokuten) is one of Japan’s most popular deities. He’s a jolly fellow with a sack of treasure and a mallet. As such, he’s probably the most well-known of the Seven Lucky Gods (shichifukujin). Although he’s … Read the rest