Ritual Participation and Social Support in a Major Japanese Festival

• Published in: Journal for the scientific study of religion Vol. 46; no. 2; pp. 185 - 200
• Main Author: ROEMER, MICHAEL K.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Malden, USA Blackwell Publishing Inc 01.06.2007; Blackwell Publishers, Inc; Blackwell; Blackwell Publishing Ltd
• Subjects: Asian religions; Buddhism; Communities; Crosscultural Differences; Cultural differences; Deities; Festivals; Field work; Gion festival; History and sciences of religions; Japan; Neighborhoods; Other religions (China, Japan, etc.); Qualitative analysis; Religion; Religiosity; Religious festivals; Religious participation; Religious practices; Religious rituals; Religious studies; Rites & ceremonies; Ritual; Rituals; Social Support; Sociology; Traditions; Japan
• ISSN: 0021-8294; 1468-5906
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1468-5906.2007.00350.x

In this study, residents of Kyôto's Gion Festival "float-cart neighborhoods" reveal how ritual participation yields a strong sense of community, and this is connected with several forms of social support. By applying the theory of ritual practice to qualitative research conducted in 2003, I examine how some of the main participants in this month of rites and festivities gain a sense of belonging and emotional support based on their roles in this historically and culturally significant shrine-related festival. Specifically, highly involved male participants form intimate and exclusive relationships and develop enduring networks that offer feelings of unity and spiritual guidance. With a combination of well-accepted "Western" theories and methods, and an understanding of distinct cultural differences, I explore how involvement in a major Japanese religious festival is positively associated with a sense of community and lasting social support.