gods. Natural objects are worshipped as sacred spirits. Physical cleanliness- The Japanese often take baths, wash their hands, and rinse out their mouth. Someone who is dirty is ugly and cannot be in the presence of the spirits. Matsuri- It is a festival, which honors the spirits. It is when people and spirits come together and enjoy each other’s company. Presently there are thirteen Shinto sects that are brought into five major categories: First are the people who are strong believers of nature worship. The second are the people who are devoted to faith healing. The third are the people who focus more about the historic, reviving the myths of the origin of Japan, stressing purification rites, fasting, breath control, and other techniques similar to the Yoga cults of Hinduism. The fourth are the people who are devoted to purification rites. Finally the last is the people who emphasize devotion to Confucian ethics. In the early 1990s more than 110 million participated in the different Shinto sects, and only 3.4 million people believe in Shinto as their main religion. Shintoism has become an important and significant religion for the Japanese people. It is a religion that is not based on strict rules and more on love and respect for nature, life, and cleanliness. After observing the way of the religion, it is seen people celebrate life and nature through festivals and paying visits to the shrines. ...
