In the past, tribal communities considered their shaman's animal helper as an ancestor, and this may have influenced the connection between animals and spirits in Shinto. Certain animals are associated with particular spirits, such as foxes with Inari and deer with Kasuga. It is believed to have originated from shamanism, where animals aided shamans in traveling to the spirit world. These creatures were thought to be extraordinary spiritual beings, and this perception, combined with their relationship with the specific kami, likely gave rise to this phenomenon. For instance, the fox at Inari shrines was worshipped as a manifestation of the kami. In later years, the kami's animal familiar became a common symbol of the kami itself. Even some of the " Seven Lucky Gods" like Daikokuten (a mouse) and Benzaiten (a snake) had animal familiars. Normally, each kami had only one animal familiar, but sometimes, there were some exceptions where a kami had more than one. It became a custom to take care of these animals when they were found within the area of the shrine. Īs time passed, people started to connect certain animals with specific shrines. In ancient texts such as Kojiki and Nihongi, there are tales of special animals that acted on behalf of the kami to transmit the divine will or to bear oracles. These animals are also known as kami no tsukai or tsukawashime. Shinshi ( 神使) or "divine messengers," are animals in Japanese mythology that are believed to be associated with a kami, a divine being. Parishioners believe they are messengers of Amaterasu.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |