Kannushi Explained

A, also called, is a person responsible for the maintenance of a as well as for leading worship of a given .[1] The characters for are sometimes also read as with the same meaning.

History

Originally, the were intermediaries between and people and could transmit their will to common humans. A was a man capable of miracles or a holy man who, because of his practice of purificatory rites, was able to work as a medium for a . Later the term evolved to being synonymous with - a man who works at a shrine and holds religious ceremonies there.[1] [2]

In ancient times, because of the overlap of political and religious power within a clan, it was the head of the clan who led the clansmen during religious functions, or else it could be another official.[2] Later, the role evolved into a separate and more specialized form. The term appears in both the (680 AD) and (720 AD),[2] where the Empress Jingū and Emperor Sujin respectively become .[3]

Description

Within the same shrine, such as at Ise Jingū or Ōmiwa Shrine, there can be different types of at the same time; these may be called, for example,,, or .[3] [2] are assisted in their religious or clerical work by women called .

can marry, and their children usually inherit their position.[4] Although this hereditary status is no longer legally granted, it continues in practice.[5]

Vestments and ritual objects

The clothes wear, such as the, the and, do not have any special religious significance, but are simply official garments previously used by the Imperial court.[4] This detail reveals the close connection between worship and the figure of the Emperor.[4] Other implements used by include a baton called and a wand decorated with white paper streamers called .

Education

To become a, a novice must study at a university approved by the, typically Tokyo's Kokugakuin University or Ise's Kogakkan University, or pass an exam that will certify his qualification.[5] Women can also become, and widows can succeed their husbands in their job.[5]

Onshi

An Onshi or Oshi (御師) is a lower level Shinto priest analogous to a deacon or an acolyte. They are considered between a layperson and clergy.

External links

Notes and References

    • Kannushi (in Japanese), Iwanami Japanese dictionary, 6th Edition (2008), DVD version
  1. Web site: Moriyasu . Jin . Kannushi . ja . Nihon Hyakka Zensho . Shogakukan . 2009-10-16 . dead . https://archive.today/20121209091437/http://100.yahoo.co.jp/detail/%E7%A5%9E%E4%B8%BB/ . 2012-12-09 .
  2. Encyclopedia: Kannushi . Nishimuta . Takao . 2007-03-28 . Encyclopedia of Shinto . Kokugakuin . 2009-10-16.
  3. Book: Nishimura, Hajime . A Comparative History of Ideas . Motilal Banarsidass . 1998 . 978-81-208-1004-4.
  4. Web site: Shinshoku . Encyclopædia Britannica Online . 2009-10-16.