Shintoism/Animism

Origins

Shintoism and Animism worship spirits in nature
They both do not have specific founders
Animism was/is practiced widely throughout the world but particularly in Africa
Shintoism originated in Japan and means "way of the gods"
Both are polythesitic

Sects

13 sects of Shintoism
4 main branches - State Shinto, Sece Shinto, Shrine Shinto, and Folk Shinto
Shintoism started in 500 BCE and its origin is in Japan

Beliefs

Animism is the oldest belief system
Shintoism's major beliefs are in Kami - mountains, rivers, plants and animals have spirits
Shintoism teaches that every human has an eternal soul and spirit
Shinto places of worship are called Shrines
The Grand Shrine of Ise is the most holy Shinto site in Japan

Present Day

New Year Festival is the biggest Shinto festival of many
30-100 days after babies are born, they are brought to the shrine
The building of the Shrine is better than before
The Gate marks the gateway between the physical and spiritual world
People seek support from Shinto by praying at a home alter or visiting shrines
Still widely practiced in Japan

Issues

Buddhism was imported into Japan and influenced the government
Animism which was practiced in Africa, as viewed as "primitive" by European imperialists as they colonized areas there
Shintoism was turned into nationalistic "State Shinto" under Emperor Meiji and remained that way until after World War 2