Gods and Gratitude

Last updated on: July 9, 2016 at 8:07 pm by Megan Manson

Gods and Gratitude 2016-07-09T20:07:39+00:00 Megan Manson

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A wrapped Chūgen gift. By Flickr user norio_nomura / CC Wikimedia Commons

Two virtues that are important in Japanese culture are gratitude and generosity. The two are very closely intertwined. The Japanese have a strong sense of obligation and debt towards those who have shown them kindness, going out of their way to make sure no favour goes unrepaid – and the repayment will often be in the form of a physical, and sometimes expensive, gift.

One occasion where this sense of gratitude is particularly apparent is during the midsummer observance known as “Chūgen.” Usually held around July 15th, Chūgen (usually referred to as “o-chūgen,” where the “o” is an honorific prefix) is a time when people buy gifts for all those who have shown them kindness or favour in the year. Chūgen gifts are beautifully packaged and frequently edible, and cost around 3,000-5,000 yen (US$30.00-50.00). Considering how many people a Japanese person may feel indebted to – family, friends, neighbours, co-workers – Chūgen can be a costly business!

So where does Shinto come into all this? I personally believe that Shinto, in addition to Buddhism, is deeply connected with this idea of repaying generous favours with generous rewards. Chūgen itself has its roots in religion – it is part of Japan’s Bon Festival, a Buddhist observance in which the ancestors are honoured, much like how Pagans honour the dead at Samhain. In the past Chūgen would be a time when people would give offerings to the ancestors to thank them for everything they had passed on from generation to generation, and the tradition developed into expressing this gratitude towards living relatives and friends as well. The idea of a debt of favour is important in Buddhism, which expresses the concept of karma as a determining factor on one’s fate after death.

Offerings to the kami at Torigoe Shrine in Tokyo. By 江戸村のとくぞう / CC Wikimedia Commons

Gratitude is at the heart of Shinto too. When we approach the kami with offerings, we are thanking them for all they have given us – food, water, a place to live, life itself. In accordance with Shinto traditions, I try to make fresh offerings of water, salt and rice at my Shinto altar every day. If time permits I’ll also offer norito (chanted Shinto prayers). On special occasions such as the Sabbats, Esbats and Shinto observances, I also offer money, sake (rice wine) and sometimes other things like different foodstuffs, flowers and candles.

In fact, I believe it is true to say that all religions are religions of gratitude. They’re about trying to give back to that force – whatever that force may be – that gives us all life.

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