Activity: Highlight the key points situated throughout this information sheet.

Shinto Practises and rituals Shinto consists of many practises and rituals that happen all throughout the year to honor kami. omairi omairi is one of Shintos main practises. It means venerable participation, and is done best by visiting Shinto shrines which are situated amongst Japan. This isnt done strcitly by followers of Shinto but can be done by anyone. When entering the Shrine it is a sign of respect to bow and upon entering there are a number of hand washing sinks, which are situated where Temizu is supposed to be performed. Temizu is a form of respect shown by cleaning yourself with water. Going to a shrine is a way to pay respect to kami. Kagura Kagura is an ancient dance which has been practised in Shintoism for centuries. The word kagura comes from kami no kura, which when translated means "seat of the kami". The ritual is a way of entertaining and comforting kami. Ema and other protective items Ema is a small wooden plaque which consists of written wishes and desries. These are left at a smal place in the shrine, this is done in order for the wishes to come true and be fulfilled. Names of other protective items include ofuda, omamori, and omikuji. These items are used for numerous important events in the shrines. Ofuda is a charm (talisman) given by a Shinto shrine, but are however kept at home to give protection. Omamori are shielding amuloets usually worn to push away any bad luck and promote better health. Omikuji is a plain piece of paper where your personal fortune is written (pictured on the right).

Festivals There is an array of Shinto festivals. Most concentrate on purification as this is one of the main goals for them; to become pure. An example of a Shinto festival is Oshougatsu, which when translated means new year. On the first of January people amongst Japan all dress in traditional Japanese clothing and visit the shrines. In doing this they pray for a joyful upcoming year and thanks the gos for the good year that passed. Rissun is a Shinto festival celebated on the 3rd of Febuary to mark the beginning of Spring. Another name given to it is usually Setsubun. During this time roasted beans are thrown to the ground, and whilst doing this chanting " Demons out, good luck in". This is done to allow for good vibes and spirits to be brought amongst the congregation. At shrines, beans are thrown at the congregation and they will attempt to catch them for good luck. Ceremonies Shichigosan is the name given to a Shinto ceremony, which stands for sevenfive-three. On this day, girls who have reached the age of seven and three and boys who have turned five dress in traditional clothing and are taken by there parents to a shrine. This is so that there parents can pray to the gods for a successful future full of luck, as well as thanking the Gods that they lived to this age. Seijin Shiki is when people have reached the age of twenty, the women then dress in traditional Japanese kimonos and the men dress in suits, and go through this same cermony.

Along with this resource there is an additional actiivty of oragami as origami originates in Japan and can be seen as a tradition that lives on today. Shinto having originated in Japan takes part in the folding of these objects and can be seen scattered in numerous festvials that are held.

1. Start with a perfectly square sheet of paper (Paper made specifically for origami can be found at most craft stores. It is usually coloured only on one side. I used a sheet that was coloured on both sides.)

2. Begin by folding one edge to meet to other, with the coloured side outward...

...to get this.

3. Open up the paper and lay it flat. Now repeat step 2 in the other direction, and open up it up again.

4. Fold it diagonally with the white side out (pink here). Line it up corner to corner...

...to get this.

5. Open up the paper, repeat step 4 in the other direction, and open up the paper again.

6. Lay the paper with the white side up. (pink here) Bring in the side corners, while bringing the top corner down...

...like this...

...to get this.

7. With the open side pointing towards the left in this picture, fold one corner of the square so that the edge is lined up with the center line...

...to get this.

8. Repeat step 7 with the other flap.

9. Flip the paper over and repeat step 7 for the other two flaps.

10. Fold the top flap down and crease hard...

...to get this. Now fold it the same way in the opposite direction.

11. Open up one side, and lay it flat.

12. Lift the top flap on the open end (the lower end in this picture) and fold it upwards, bringing in the sides...

...like this...

... and lay flat to get this.

13. Flip the paper over and repeat steps 11 & 12 for the other side...

14. With the open end towards the left in the picture, fold in one flap in so that the edge lines up with the center line...

...to get this.

15. Repeat step 14 for the other flap.

16. Flip the paper over and repeat steps 14 & 15 for the flaps on the other side.

17. Fold over one side, like this...

... and lay flat to get this.

18. Fold up the top flap on the open end, so that the tip of the lower flap reaches the tip of upper flap...

...like this.

19. Fold two of the flaps over and repeat step 18 for the other lower flap.

20. Fold one flap over and lay flat...

...to get this.

21. Fold the top flap down...

...to get this.

22. Flip the paper over and repeat step 21 for the other side.

23. Invert fold one of the upper tips like this...

...to form the head.

24. Pull back the other tip like this...

...to form the tail.

25. Gently pull the wings apart to form the body.

And now it is complete