Buddhism and Shinto (24-28) - Japonly

Because in Japan, the world of spirits is "alive".

24/Buddhism & Shinto

Two religions quite similar and very tolerant towards others. The stoic endurance of Buddhism and respect for danger and death of Shintoism, two of the basic foundations of the Samurai code, are still rooted in the Japanese culture. For the rest the faith is rather superstition, they invoke gods especially to tempt fate and bring good luck ... The birthday of Buddha is celebrated on April 8 in Japan, the famous lucky number 8.
Note that the sun goddess Amaterasu is supposed to be the ancestor of the imperial family, her great-great grandson became the first emperor of Japan. Like the two religions often intertwined, the emperor (who is not involved in any way in government decisions) is also highly respected. Like Mount Fuji, he is a national symbol.

25/Buddhism

Imported from China and Korea from the sixth century, it is highly influenced by Shintoism, the main religion born in Japan several centuries ago. Its history is divided into 3 periods: Nara (until 784), Heian (794-1185) and the post-Heian period (from 1185). The 3 main currents of Buddhism: Hinayana (Lesser Vehicle lane), Mahayana (Great Vehicle path), Vajrayana (Diamond way).
It is used in Japan for the funeral rites whereas Shintoism applies to life and births.

26/ Shintoism

A religion with prehistoric origins likens the creation of the world to a cosmic copulation which original sin is death, not sex, that could explain ... And sex, how to fight death is everywhere represented in the temples.

Here we will see the main lucky charms, you can find everywhere, then we‘ll see the world of spirits and the monsters who live there.

Jizô & small Bouddhas


Protector of travelers and children that we found everywhere on the road and around the temples.

The Jizo-bon festival takes place on August 23 & 24. The children are the kings for a day, the associated color is red (divine color): Jizo statues are covered with red bibs and hats, you eat red food, red lanterns illuminate the streets...

We were there in May and many Jizo were dressed in red, and the Japanese always ready to be amazed ...

Kanamara Matsuri

The day of the iron penis is the Shinto fertility festival, it takes place on the first Sunday of April in Kawasaki. The penis is present everywhere: images, candy canes, carved vegetables, decorations. The parade begins at Kanayama Shrine, frequented a long time ago by prostitutes who came to seek protection against venereal diseases. They also come before marriage, childbirth, to seek harmony in marriage and prosperity in business.

A legend says that a demon with sharp teeth had hidden in the vagina of a young girl, and had successively castrated two young men during their wedding night. Then a blacksmith fashioned an iron phallus to break the demon's teeth. Today the festival is an opportunity to raise funds for the fight against AIDS. Many travelers come from Europe and America to participate.

28/The world of spirits.

If you want to know the whole glossary, it is quite impressive, if I had to choose two, it is without hesitation:

Kappa: water spirit with monkey face and turtle shell who loves cucumbers and is often nasty. With a big physical strength, he is careful not to spill the water he has in its skull, it would make him lose his strength. To win, we must bow in front of him, going politeness he will empty water from his skull!


   

Yuki-Onna: Snow woman with a spectral beauty and cold kiss. She has the ability to transform herself into a cloud of mist or snow if she feels threatened. Sometimes cruel, she makes people die of cold, sometimes she helps hikers lost in the mountains...

Kanji, japanese writing & manga.
Un voyage au Japon (FR)