Vernacular Religion and SNS-Media Practices

This paper examines the efficacy of SNS when putting into practice the theory and methods of Vernacular Religion, utilizing Sacred Trees research as its example. Vernacular Religion is something practical which aim to construct a reflexive ethnography focusing upon the synthesis and processes of various subjective viewpoints. This is feasible through the use of SNS. At the same time, the "noise" from SNS hinders thoughts which attempts to lead to institutional, linguistic or conceptual uniformity, and even acts as a constant reminder that the "something there in existence" is usually something in the vernacular. Moreover, the characteristics of images used in SNS are \´subjective\´ and "heterogeneous". These kinds of "irreproducible" images are of the "vernacular" in contrast to images supplied by the Association of Shinto Shrines or the marketplace, and can have a dynamic relationship with these images. From this standpoint, my practices also embody the theory of vernacular religion.