Paper short abstract:

This presentation examines the role of Shinto rituals of nature worship for the development of social network relations and economic opportunities transgressing the conceptional boundaries of the "village".

Paper long abstract:

This presentation is concerned with the role of nature worship and Shinto rituals for the establishment of social relations within and across rural communities. Folklore studies in the tradition of historical materialism considered the evolution of the "village" (mura) as a natural response to the introduction of rice cropping and ancestor worship in clan society. The mura therefore is a conceptional unity in the service of agricultural and religious purposes, epitomized by cooperative farming and the village shrine.

Shrine rituals were of particular significance to shield off the village society and economy from natural disasters, of which the Aso region in Kumamoto has been particularly prone: volcano eruptions, earthquakes, flooding, storms, frost and plague of insects. My research has focussed on the way how the "Shinto business" of paper charm (ofuda) trade helps villagers come to terms with the spiritual powers of nature. However, as my presentation demonstrates, the appeal of local shrine rituals often exceeds the borders of the community. I argue that the production and trade of charms essentially serves the establishment of social relations all across the Aso region. From these network relations, both the village economy and villagers' quality of life is largely benefitting.