Ryukyuan Religion

The Ryukyuan religion, Ryūkyū Shintō, Nirai Kanai Shinkō, or Utaki Shinkō is the indigenous belief system of the Ryukyu Islands. This chain of Japanese islands stretches southwest from Kyushu to Taiwan. The larger are mostly volcanic islands and the smaller mostly formed by coral. The largest is Okinawa Island. The climate of the Ryukyu islands is sub-tropical, significantly warmer than that of the four islands that comprise mainland Japan. The first mention of the islands in Chinese literature occur in the Annals of the Qin dynasty. Qin Shi Huang heard of "happy immortals" living on the Eastern Islands, so he sent expeditions there to find the source of immortality, to no avail.[24][page needed] Based on Ryukyuan folklore on Kudaka Island, some scholars believe that these expeditions succeeded in reaching Japan where they launched a social and agricultural revolution. In 601, the Chinese sent an expedition to the "Country of Liukiu." They noted that the people were small but pugnacious. The first Japanese record of what they termed the Southern Islands is an article written in 618 which states that people of Yaku followed the Chinese emperor's virtue. The indigenous Ryukyuan religion is generally characterized by ancestor worship and respect for the 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 humans, are indicative of its ancient animistic roots, as is its concern with mabui, or life essence. Historically, Ryukyuan religious practice has been influenced by Japanese Shinto, Buddhism, Confucianism, and Taoism. It has also been shaped by other Chinese religions (White Lotus, Chinese Manichaeism, and folk beliefs), as well as Christianity. One of its most ancient features is the belief in onarigami, the spiritual superiority of women derived from Amamikyu, the creation goddess, which allowed for the development of a noro (priestess) system and a significant following for yuta (female mediums or shamans). Demonstrations of respect and reverence toward ancestors are performed in the family home. The oldest female relative serves 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 in which each family member is described for the benefit of the incorporeal being addressed. The oldest female relative is also responsible for the cleaning and upkeep of the buchidan (ancestors altar), hinukan (hearth god and his home on the hearth), and furugan (bathroom god).The Ultimate Ancestors, from whom all life springs, are Utin ("Heaven", the father), Jiichi ("Earth", the mother), and Ryūgū ("Sea", from which humanity was born). They coexist with the gods of the world and are esteemed as the originators of all things. The Ultimate Ancestors are worshiped in the community's utaki, or sacred place (often a grove, a cave, or a mountain). Traditionally, periodic gatherings of the extended family occur at the family haka, or tomb. These tombs resemble houses complete with a courtyard, family name markers, and  a porch upon which offerings are placed. In the thirty-third year after a relative's death, the deceased individual is believed to have taken their place with their fellow ancestors in the afterlife. Especially powerful deities other than the household gods are revered by the community as a whole, and certain legendary creatures exist who are not worshiped, but are respected. Community worship most often involves marine and mountain deities who determine the success of agricultural, shipping/trade, and fishing enterprises.