Misogi at the summer solstice at the Meoto rocks near Ise
Today is the summer solstice in Japan, known as geshi. A time for celebration, surely. But as Green Shinto friend, Megan Manson, has pointed out in this article it’s surprising that the longest day of the year is not more widely celebrated in Japan.
This year the solstice happens to be an auspicious day for new projects according to the traditional calendar, which is still used to set dates for important events such as weddings. So it’s a particularly fortunate occasion for the Shusse Inari Shrine in Los Angeles to be launching a major project, with naming of its supporters club, a new logo, fundraising website and SNS accounts.
For environmentalists with Shinto sympathies this is an important breakthrough with access in English to a shrine that actively promotes its nature-oriented credentials. “Passing along eco-conscious traditions to the next generation,” runs their slogan. ‘May the nature spirits be with you.’
Earth Day celebrations on April 22 this year were sadly overshadowed by the Corona crisis. The news and social media were dominated by the virus, and ecological concerns were pushed aside.
However, one Shinto shrine that bucked the trend showed itself to be a progressive force in terms of environmental concerns – the Shinto Shrine of Shusse Inari in America. It has featured before on Green Shinto, and we’re delighted to highlight the shrine here again. For Earth Day the Shusse Inari’s youtube channel carried a live recording of a special ceremony held for Mother Earth, together with publication of an entirely ‘green’ reading of what Shinto represents (see below).
Both thumbs up from Green Shinto for pioneering priestess Izumi Hasegawa, who has set up a branch shrine in Los Angeles of the shrine in Matsue run by her family for generations.
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Photo by Richard Fukuhara / Shadows For Peace
Shinto Shrine of Shusse Inari in America
DEAR EARTH: Live stream of Shinto ceremony to Show Respect and Appreciation to mother nature on Earth DayLink —-> https://youtu.be/HdhALFB-EG4 Channel —> ShintoInari
Izumi Hasegawa writes: Shinto is a mindset and way of living with respect for nature, living things and our ancestors, and it has long been recognized as Japan’s cultural root. Unlike Buddhism, Christianity, or other religions, Shinto has no holy texts, and there is no individual founder. It is said that Shinto has been practiced for more than 2,000 years. One of the most important elements of Shinto is paying respect and seeking harmony between people and nature, among our families, communities, and the world. In today’s society, the need to strive for these goals has become more apparent than ever before. We hold various events introducing the traditional Japanese eco-conscious way of life so that future generations can enjoy nature as we do. Details about Shinto and these events can be found on our Newsletter, website, and social media. Please come and enjoy our events!! Passing along eco-conscious traditions to the next generation.
Stay safe and well! May the Nature Spirits be with you! Rev. Izumi Hasegawa Shinto Shrine of Shusse Inari in America 当神社では、季節の行事や文化・伝統を紹介するイベントを開催しています。ご家族、お友達をお誘い合わせのうえ、ぜひ、ご参加ください!!詳細はNews Letter, ウェブサイト、SNSを参照ください。
Spirits of Good Fortune, Success, and Happiness Shinto Shrine of Shusse Inari in America (Formerly: Shusse Inari Shrine of America) Passing along eco-conscious traditions to the next generation! www.ShintoInari.org Instagram @ShintoInari Facebook@ShintoInari Twitter@ShintoInari YouTube ShintoInari
Izumi Hasegawa before the Matsue Shusse Inari Shrine, run by her family for generations
