Rey_morales,+Michele

Women Living in Nara and Heian Time Periods

Much of the history of roles held by women in early Japan is unknown due to the various different influences that were integrated at the time. Two particular time periods, Nara and Heian, tell of women who held both high and low positions in their society. Both also are tied together with religion which was a primary influence then.

The two major religions of Japan were Shintoism and Buddhism. As an example of the great influence of the two faiths, through the integration of the two, a shift in a woman's place in matriarchal antiquity was created, altering it to acquiescent or submissive confinement. An original document in Japanese culture called the Nihongi tells the story of Amaterasu, the Sun Goddess who perfectly reflects the Shinto religion. This mythology created the matriarchal view of women up until the sixth century.

__** Nara and Buddhism **__ In this time era, writing and literature was left for the Chinese and men. Women were not mentioned much, and this was when Shinto was introduced to Buddhism. The Buddhist faith, all hope was lost for women. They were mistrusted and salvation was not what they deserved. All women could do during this era was become a nun, and they remained isolated from the community. The philosophy of Buddhism belief revolves around the idea of a strong community, but only men were accepted to join.

__** Heian **__