A Nelson, John K. (John Kenneth) 1953- creator text bibliography Electronic books. wau 1996 monographic eng 1 online resource (viii, 286 pages, 16 unnumbered pages of plates) : illustrations, maps What we today call Shinto has been at the heart of Japanese culture for almost as long as there has been political entity distinguishing itself as Japan. A Year in the Life of a Shinto Shrine describes the ritual cycle at Suwa Shrine, Nagasaki's major Shinto shrine. Conversations with priests, other shrine personnel, and people attending shrine functions supplement John K. Nelson's observations of over fifty shrine rituals and festivals. He elicits their views on the meaning and personal relevance of the religious events and the place of Shinto and Suwa Shrine in Japanese society, culture, and politics. Nelson focuses on the very human side of an ancient institution and provides a detailed look at beliefs and practices that, although grounded in natural cycles, are nonetheless meaningful in late-twentieth-century Japanese society. Frames and focuses. -- Historical momentums. -- The Kami. -- Ritual and ceremony: an overview. -- Finding the measure. -- Head priest Uesugi. -- Spring. Beans versus demons ; On becoming a priest: Matsumoto-san's version ; Backstage at the Dolls' Day Festival ; Judgment by scalding water ; Festival for fecundity. -- Summer. Being dirty, getting clean, and the ritual of great purification ; "I shouldn't be telling you this, but ..." ; A woman's place is the shrine. -- Autumn. Okunchi: a city's heart and soul ; Children and silk ; Thanksgiving for new rice. -- Winter. On spirit, geomancy, and sake ; Sanctifying the earth ; Three rites for ending and beginning the year ; To be an adult. -- Conclusion. -- Appendix 1: The rituals and festivals of Suwa Shrine. -- Appendix 2: Map and guide to the Shrine Precincts. John K. Nelson. Includes bibliographical references (pages 269-279) and index. a-ja--- Suwa Jinja (Nagasaki-shi, Japan) Suwa Jinja (Nagasaki-shi, Japan) Religious life Shinto Shinto Customs and practices BODY, MIND & SPIRIT Spirituality Paganism & Neo-Paganism RELIGION Comparative Religion Religious life Shinto Shinto Customs and practices Sjintoïsme Heiligdommen Schintoismus Vie religieuse Shintō Shintō Coutumes et pratiques Nagasaki (Japon) Temples SOCIAL SCIENCE / Anthropology / Cultural BL2225.N2552 S883 1996eb 299/.56135/095224 11.87 BE 8354 Nelson, John K. (John Kenneth), 1953- (DLC) 95023257 (OCoLC)32746598 9780295997698 0295997699 95023257 22573/ctvct8vcz JSTOR http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&scope=site&db=nlebk&db=nlabk&AN=1082372 http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&scope=site&db=nlebk&db=nlabk&AN=1082372 N$T 151020 20200709060419.0 ocn925522526 eng