WORLD RELIGIONS

Detailed explanation-1: -Sumo (, sumō) is a Japanese style of wrestling and Japan’s national sport. It originated in ancient times as a performance to entertain the Shinto deities. Many rituals with religious background, such as the symbolic purification of the ring with salt, are still followed today.

Detailed explanation-2: -Sumo is Japan’s national sport and has its origins in Shinto, the traditional faith of Japan. In keeping with Japanese folklore, the Japanese people were created due to gods struggling in a sumo match.

Detailed explanation-3: -Sumo can be traced back to ancient Shinto rituals to ensure a bountiful harvest and honor the spirits known as kami. Matches were held to raise money to construct shrines and temples or to replace bridges.

Detailed explanation-4: -The Shinto origins of sumo can easily be traced back through the centuries and many current sumo rituals are directly handed down from Shinto rituals. The Shinto religion has historically been used as a means to express Japanese nationalism and ethnic identity, especially prior to the end of World War II.

Detailed explanation-5: -In Sumo, aside from the physical nature of the sport, there are a number of ritual aspects that stem from the ancient Japanese religion of Shinto such as using salt to ‘purify’ the ring before each match, and having a Shinto priest give a blessing to each of the wrestlers.