Ritual & Life Cycles
In Japan it is not uncommon to see small shrines, marked by a specially designed rope called a Shimenawa indicating a space inhabited by a Kami and protected as sacred.
The Torii gates are erected and found at Shinto shrines. The Torii gate marks the passageway from the human world to the world of the Gods. When one enters a shrine purification is expected. You wash your mouth and hands with water.
Ritual is central to the practice of Shinto. Every step of a ritual within a shrine follows a carefully established pattern. These steps include purification, prayer, offerings, and entertainment for the Kami.
Matsuri is the worship and celebration of the Kami. There are many aspects of Matsuri, dance, and festivals.
Festivals are and yearly celebrations include entire communities and can last for several days.
The cycle of life in Shinto has adopted parts of the Buddhist path. There is a saying "Born a Shinto, die a Buddhist." Early Shinto practice believed that when you die your soul went to a vase hell underworld where there was no escape. Buddhist influence brought into Shinto the concept of Nirvana a place where your spirit goes when enlightenment is obtained.
Birth, Coming of Age, Marriage, New Year Harvest are all significant moments in the Shinto cycle of life.