Cherry Blossoms: Inside The Spiritual Meaning Of Sakura

(EXPLAINER) Cherry blossoms hold a profound significance in various cultures around the world, often intertwined with religious and spiritual symbolism. Both their beauty and delicate nature have inspired poets, artists and thinkers. Here’s a look at how different cultures — from Japan to India to the United States — feel about at these dazzling flowers that bloom each April.

South Korean Horror Film Explores Religious And National Identity

(REVIEW) For the past five weekends, the horror movie “Exhuma” has topped box offices in South Korea, its country of origin. This movie, which recently opened in America, is a harrowing must-see. It brings to mind “The Wailing,” a South Korean horror movie from 2016. Both movies wrestle with identity and religion in a variety of ways that also includes a dislike of Japan, a former colonizer, and what it means to be pro-Korean.

IRFBA’s Bold Statement Addresses Rising Christian Persecution Worldwide

(ANALYSIS) The International Religious Freedom or Belief Alliance (IRFBA) earlier this month released a significant statement on the current worldwide persecution of Christians. It’s essence: Religious freedom is still comparatively neglected as a human right, and the ongoing persecution of Christians is relatively unknown.

Analysis, Christianity, Europe, Human Rights, Opinion, Religion, Religious FreedomPaul MarshallJune 4, 2023Albania, Armenia, Austria, Australia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Bulgaria, Cameroon, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, The Democratic Republic of Congo, Denmark, Estonia, The Gambia, Georgia, Greece, Hungary, Israel, Kosovo, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Romania, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Slovakia, Slovenia, Togo, Ukraine, the United Kingdom, and the United States. There are also five IRFBA “friends”: Canada, Guyana, Japan, South Korea, and Sweden, and three IRFBA observers: the Sovereign Order of Malta, Taiwan, United Nations, Paul Marshall, Dr. Paul Marshall, Fiona Bruce, Robert Rehak, Rashad Hussain, Joao Lucas, Pew Forum, blasphemy laws, Christian persecution, religious persecution, International Religious Freedom or Belief Alliance, IRFBA, Secretary of State Michael Pompeo, Religious Freedom or Belief AllianceComment

Sweet Tea and Dragons: Uncovering Japan’s Fascinating Buddha Birthday Traditions

(PERSONAL ESSAY) Buddha’s birthday is celebrated as a more quiet holiday in Japan as opposed to other countries, where it tends to be a grander national celebration. Known as Hana Matsuri (flower festival) or Kanbutsu-e (literally “Buddha bathing party”) in Japan, this birthday commemoration for Shakyamuni Buddha became intertwined with traditions from ancient Japanese farmers.

Analysis, Asia, BuddhismBrianna JacobsApril 13, 2023Brianna Jacobs, Buddha, Buddhist, Siddhartha Guatama, Lumbini, Japan, Japanese Buddhism, Hana Matsuri, Kanbutsu-e, hanamido, Ama-cha, Lotus Sutra, Nanda, Upananda, Sagara, Vasuki, Takshaka, Anavatapta, Manasvin, Utpalaka, RechargeComment

Japanese Temples Are Holding Funerals For Unwanted Dolls

Disposing of unwanted dolls and toys in Japan is not so easy. Throughout the year temples across Japan hold a “ningyo kuyo” (人形供養), a funeral ritual for unwanted dolls, especially traditional dolls. Held in both Buddhist and Shinto temples alike, the ceremony is a spiritual send-off to thank dolls for their service and properly put them to rest.

Asia, NewsHeather GreeneNovember 5, 2021Heather Greene, Japan, Japanese dolls, doll funerals, doll rituals, 人形供養, ningyo kuyo, Camellia Tea Ceremony, Primary Feature, Secondary FeatureComment

Pennsylvania Church Tells Followers To Be Ready To Die For Trump In 'A Gun Fight With Police'

In an online broadcast to his followers, Rev. Sean Moon, son of the Unification movement’s founder, said America is threatened by totalitarianism and must fight back to ensure President Trump serves a second term, even if that means dying in “a gun fight with police.”

Make your travel plans now: These religious pilgrimages are reopening

Here are four sacred journeys, some open but with country travel restrictions, that will brighten your “quarantine life.”

Shinto festival carries on centuries-old tradition in Japan

The Chichibu Night Festival, famous for its elaborate floats, has roots stretching more than 1,000 years, with roots in an older tradition of villagers giving thanks to the nearby mountain god for helping them during the planting and harvesting season.