Shamanism is an ancient practice which is present in many cultures and societies throughout human history. In Japan, shamanism has a long and rich tradition, dating back to the prehistoric Jomon period. This paper will explore the shamanistic practices of old Japan, focusing on the beliefs, rituals, and role of the shaman in Japanese society. It is a belief system based on the idea that there exists a spiritual world parallel to the physical realm, has been a prominent feature of many ancient cultures around the world, including Japan. In ancient Japan, shamanistic practices played a significant role in religious and cultural traditions, influencing the lives of the people and shaping their spiritual beliefs. Shamanistic practices were deeply integrated into ancient Japanese society, particularly in relation to agricultural activities, fertility rites, and community celebrations. Shamanism in Japan is based on the belief that spirits or kami are present in all things, including natural phenomena such as rocks, trees, and mountains, as well as human beings and animals. These spirits are believed to have the power to influence human affairs, both positively and negatively. Therefore, the shaman’s role is to mediate between the human world and the spirit world, communicating with the kami on behalf of individuals and the community. The shaman’s primary tool for communicating with the spirits was ritual. Shamanistic rituals in old Japan were often performed outdoors, in natural settings such as forests or mountains. These rituals included chanting, dancing, and offerings of food and drink to the kami. The shaman would often enter a trance-like state during the ritual, allowing them to communicate with the spirits more easily. One of the most important shamanistic rituals in old Japan was the harvest festival. This festival was held in honor of the agricultural deities, who were believed to be responsible for the success or failure of the harvest. The shaman would lead the community in a series of rituals, including offering food and drink to the deities, and performing a dance to ensure a bountiful harvest. In old Japan, the shaman played an essential role in society, acting as a mediator between the human world and the spirit world. They were often consulted on matters of health, fertility, and other important issues, as they were believed to have a direct line of communication with the kami. In addition to their role as spiritual leaders, shamans were also valued for their healing abilities. They were believed to have the power to cure illnesses and injuries by communicating with the spirits and channeling their energy into the patient.
Miko
Miko, also known as shrine maiden, is a young priestess who works at a Shinto shrine. Miko were once likely seen as shamans, but are understood in modern Japanese culture to be an institutionalized role in daily life, trained to perform tasks, ranging from sacred cleansing to performing the sacred Kagura dance. Miko are often younger relatives of Shinto priests, such as daughters or granddaughters. The Miko played an important role in the religious practices of ancient Japan, which were centered around the worship of various deities known as kami. Miko were believed to have a special connection to the divine and were often considered to be intermediaries between humans and the kami. Miko were typically young women, often chosen from noble or influential families. They would undergo training and rituals to prepare themselves for their role. Miko were responsible for performing sacred dances, prayers, and purification rituals at the shrines. They would also assist in divination and fortune-telling, providing guidance and advice to worshippers. Over time, the role of Miko has evolved, and today they continue to serve in Shinto shrines. While the ancient practices and traditions have been modified and adapted, Miko still play a significant role in the preservation of Shinto customs and rituals in modern-day Japan.
Dogū
Dogū appeared during the Jomon period. The clay figurine was in the shape of a woman. People valued the fact that women have the power of life. Due to that, the clay figurines were female. People believed that it had magical powers and prayed to dog dogū. The term “Dogu” refers to a type of ancient Japanese clay figurine that dates back to the Jomon period, which lasted from approximately 14,000 BCE to 300 BCE. These figurines are known for their distinctive forms, often depicting humanoid or animal-like figures with exaggerated features. The exact purpose of Dogu remains a subject of debate among archaeologists and historians. Some theories suggest that they might have represented deities, ancestors, or even shamanic spirits. Others propose that Dogu served ritualistic or ceremonial purposes, possibly relating to fertility, agriculture, or shamanic practices. Also, some believe that the figurines might have been used in daily life as toys, charms, ог talismans. The discovery of numerous Dogu figurines at archaeological sites throughout Japan indicates their widespread presence and importance in Jomon society. Today, these ancient artifacts provide valuable insights into the cultural and artistic practices of Japan’s prehistoric past. Many Dogu figurines are displayed in museums, both in Japan and around the world, allowing people to appreciate and study these fascinating relics from ancient Japan.
The Ainu are Japan’s largest indigenous people. They are the descendants of the first people of the Japanese archipelago, commonly called the Jomon people, who immigrated to the Japanese archipelago over 10,000 years ago. Shamans in ancient Ainu culture were both male and female, and their work consisted of numerous ceremonies and festivals throughout the year. Shamanism in ancient Japan was an essential aspect of Japanese culture and society. It provided a means of communicating with the spirits and ensured the well-being of individuals and the community as a whole. Although shamanism has declined in modern Japan, its legacy can still be seen in various aspects of Japanese culture, including the reverence for nature and the continued practice of certain traditional rituals.
Reference
Japanese Shamanism: trance and possession (Book)
https://factsanddetails.com/japan/cat16/sub183/item595.html
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miko