Jade Shinto is heavily animist, and believes that the Near is inhabited by various minor ghosts, spirits and entities that originate both there and in the Far. Practically every inanimate object is believed to host some kind of spirit or guardian, or at least possess meaning and essence beyond the sheer mundane, whilst the souls of ancestors are believed to walk among the living at times.
ANCESTORS
To adherents of Jade Shinto, ancestor worship and the preservation of family reputation is a key element of daily life. Believers try to live in a way that they feel would bring honour to, and approval from, their ancestors, who are typically honoured with small familial shrines containing statues, artworks and even physical remains.
These shrines are typically used for ceremonies such as the naming of a child, coming-of-age ceremonies, weddings and wakes, as well as more mundane daily rituals of faith. It is believed that the ancestors can also have some small effect on the mortal realm, sending dreams to inspire and inform their descendants, or else tipping the scales of luck in their favour.
Many family of samurai have a katana or honokatana that was given to them by the overlord who first raised their ancestor to the samurai caste. The katana is a largely ceremonial object, but is still an important symbol of filial duty and lineage.
These shrines are typically used for ceremonies such as the naming of a child, coming-of-age ceremonies, weddings and wakes, as well as more mundane daily rituals of faith. It is believed that the ancestors can also have some small effect on the mortal realm, sending dreams to inspire and inform their descendants, or else tipping the scales of luck in their favour.
Many family of samurai have a katana or honokatana that was given to them by the overlord who first raised their ancestor to the samurai caste. The katana is a largely ceremonial object, but is still an important symbol of filial duty and lineage.
SPIRITS
Spirits are typically split into two categories, onishi and kamashi. Onishi are typically ill-meaning, or at least mischievous. They are associated with masks, and it is common to attribute misfortunes of all kinds to malevolent onishi. Onishi are also typically the antagonist of cautionary tales, used in parables and stories that emphasise the merits of good and proper behaviour.
In contrast, kamashi are seen as friendly and benevolent, or at least well-meaning. Believed to inhabit the world unseen, adherents of Jade Shinto will often ask kamashi for protection or blessings, for example when crossing a bridge or laying a foundation stone. This can be a simple prayer, or can entail an entire ritual ceremony to draw and welcome friendly kamashi.
In contrast, kamashi are seen as friendly and benevolent, or at least well-meaning. Believed to inhabit the world unseen, adherents of Jade Shinto will often ask kamashi for protection or blessings, for example when crossing a bridge or laying a foundation stone. This can be a simple prayer, or can entail an entire ritual ceremony to draw and welcome friendly kamashi.