Ryukyuan Culture - Ryukyuan Shinto, Kumi Odori, Bingata, T Gy, Sanshin, EISA, Tamagusuku Ch Kun, Yukka NU Hii, (Paperback)

Chapters: Ryukyuan Shinto, Kumi Odori, Bingata, T gy, Sanshin, Eisa, Tamagusuku Ch kun, Yukka Nu Hii, . Source: Wikipedia. Pages: 43. Not illustrated. Free updates online. Purchase includes a free trial membership in the publisher's book club where you can select from more than a million books without charge. Excerpt: Ryukyuan Shinto Ry ky Shint ) is the indigenous belief system of the Ryukyu Islands. While specific legends and traditions may vary slightly from place to place and island to island, the Ryukyuan religion is generally characterized by ancestor worship and the respecting of relationships between the living, the dead, and the gods and spirits of the natural world. Some of its beliefs, such as those concerning genius loci spirits and many other beings classified between gods and men, are indicative of its ancient animistic roots, as is its concern with mabui ( ), or life essence. Over time, Ryukyuan religious practice has been influenced by Chinese religions (Taoism, Confucianism, and folk beliefs), Buddhism, Japanese Shinto, and (to some extent) Christianity. One of its most ancient features is the belief in onarigami ( ), the spiritual superiority of women, which allowed for the development of a noro (priestess) cult and a significant following for yuta (female mediums). Ryukyuan religion, with its focus on ancestral worship, is naturally based in the family home. The oldest female relative acts as a primary celebrant, officiating rituals concerning ancestors, household gods and those family members who live both in and outside the home. Daily incense offerings are made and prayer "reports" are delivered aloud. Reports in which each family member is described for the benefit of the incorporeal being addressed. The oldest female relative is also responsible for cleaning and upkeep of the buchidan (ancestors altar), hinukan (hearth god and his home on the hearth) and furugan (bathroom god). The Ultimate An...More: http: //booksllc.net/?id=3840021