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Shusse Inari Shrine of America, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization is holding a Japan onboarding with their “Japanese Mythology & Shinto?” lecture and Shimekzari wreath workshop being hosted at the NYC Parks Citywide Services Building on Saturday, October 26th. We coordinate various events to introduce traditional Japanese eco-conscious ways of life so that future generations can enjoy nature as we do.

Shinto is a mindset and way of living with respect and appreciation for nature, living things and our ancestors, and it has long been recognized as Japan’s cultural root. Shinto has no holy texts, there is no individual founder and it is said that Shinto has been practiced for more than 2,000 years. One of the most important elements of Shinto practice is paying respect, showing appreciation to the nature spirits, 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.

In this lecture, we introduce the traditional Japanese way of life to appreciate and respect the spirits of nature, as well as ways to pay tribute which have been passed across countless Japanese generations. Japan also has mythology, and you can still walk around and see where these myths took place. This lecture will also explain locations of Japanese mythology across the country as well as Shinto's strong connection to Japanese mythology.

Especially in autumn, which is harvest season, we show our appreciation to the nature spirits which give us food and help us reap the bounty of nature. Through this event, please show your appreciation and reverence for the nature spirits. In this workshop, we will also make Shimekazari wreaths with local rice straws from the only rice farm in NYC. Shimekazari are decorations to ward against bad spirits and invite the spirits of a new year into your home, we put them out before new year, and take out after new year (around January 15th).

We will also discuss additional efforts to connect New York City to Japan and further ways to get involved with nature and agriculture both nationally and internationally, please stay with us after the program for more info!

Who: Shusse Inari Shrine and GROW Externships
What: “Japanese Mythology & Shinto” Lecture and Shimekazari Workshop
Where: The NYC Parks Citywide Services Building
20 Bronx Shore Road, Randall's Island, NY, 10035 (2nd Floor Training Room).
When: Saturday, October 26th, 12noon - 3pm (Lecture & Activities)
Fee: Free and free Japanese snacks will be served!
RSVP & inquiries: growexternships@gmail.com
Website: www.ShusseInariShrine.org
SNS: Facebook @ShusseInari Instagram @ShusseInariShrine Twitter @ShusseInari