Shinto［Chapter 4］Rituals and the Four Seasons

The majority of Japanese festivals are closely connected to the four seasons. As people are strongly influenced by the changes in the seasons, festivals were adjusted to the seasons. Each season was related to a commonly recognized image: spring-the origin of the embryo and the beginning of life; summer-progress; autumn-maturity and harvest; winter-patience and endurance. And each season reflected people`s hopes for a better future. By expressing sensitivity to the seasons, the festivals embodied the strength of life.
In this way the four seasons are classified, and by explaining the features of items on display, we will attempt to express a sense of the seasonality and vitality of the festivals.