World Religions

Introduction to World Religions Study Guide Weddings are often performed by Shinto priests, but Christian wedding ceremonies are also quite popular. They use a liturgy, but oftentimes there is not an ordained priest. Japanese funerals are often held in the Buddhist traditions, as well as anniversary of death celebrations, with 91% of Japanese funerals taking place in Buddhist tradition. There are two categories of holidays in Japan. There are festivals that are mostly Shinto and relate to the cultivation of rice and the spiritual well-being of the community. Annual events are largely of Chinese or Buddhist origin. Festivals are local events that follow local traditions. These events are sometimes sponsored by schools, towns, or community groups, and are associated with Shinto shrines. While most holidays are secular in nature, some involve visits to local shrines. New Year’s Day and Obon entail a visit to a Shinto shrine or Buddhist temple. There are different customs, yet they usually involve special foods. Adherents dress in a kimono and visit shrines to pray for family members and blessing for the coming year. They eat noodles on New Year’s Eve and play a poetry game. During Obon, spirit altars are set up in front of Buddhist family altars. Family graves are cleaned up for visits. There is folk dancing and prayers at the Buddhist temples and in the home.

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