Place of Origin: Japan
Origin Date: Mythological Era
Domain: The sun, light, and the universe.
Symbols: The mirror, the sun, rooster and the sacred regalia of Japan (mirror, sword, and jewel).
Attributes: Radiance, light, order, and purity.
Religion: Shinto
Description
Amaterasu, also known as Amaterasu-ōmikami, is one of the most revered deities in Shinto mythology and Japanese culture. She is the goddess of the sun and the universe, embodying light, order, and purity. Her name translates to "She Who Shines from Heaven," reflecting her role as the celestial illuminator.
Amaterasu is the daughter of the creator deities Izanagi and Izanami and is considered the elder sister of Tsukuyomi (the moon god) and Susanoo (the storm god). She is central to the mythological narrative of the Three Precious Children, born from Izanagi during his purification ritual.
One of the most famous myths involving Amaterasu is her retreat into the Ama-no-Iwato (Heavenly Rock Cave) after a quarrel with her brother Susanoo. Her withdrawal plunged the world into darkness, prompting the other kami to devise a plan to lure her out. Through a combination of music, dance, and a mirror reflecting her own radiance, Amaterasu was coaxed back, restoring light to the world.
Amaterasu is also deeply tied to the Japanese Imperial Family, as they claim descent from her through her grandson Ninigi-no-Mikoto, who was sent to rule the earth. This divine lineage has historically legitimized the emperor's role as a spiritual and political leader.
Her primary place of worship is the Ise Grand Shrine in Japan, one of the most sacred Shinto sites. Amaterasu continues to symbolize the unity of the Japanese people, the natural order, and the enduring connection between the divine and the earthly realms.
Relations: Susanoo (her brother), Tsukuyomi (her brother), Ninigi-no-Mikoto (her grandson).
Epithets: Amaterasu-ōmikami (Great Divinity Illuminating Heaven), Ōhirume-no-muchi-no-kami,
Equivalents: Amaterasu does not have direct equivalents in other religions, but she shares similarities with other sun deities, such as the Greek god Helios and the Roman god Sol.
Iconography: Amaterasu is often depicted as a radiant goddess, sometimes holding a mirror or surrounded by light. She is also represented by the sun symbol.
Worship Beliefs and Practices of Amaterasu
Amaterasu is one of the most important deities in Japanese mythology and Shinto religion, known as the sun goddess and the ruler of the heavens. She is a central figure in the Japanese pantheon and is revered for her role in bringing light and life to the world.
Core Beliefs
Goddess of the Sun: Amaterasu is revered as the goddess of the sun, representing light, warmth, and life. Her name means "shining in heaven," reflecting her role as the celestial sun goddess who illuminates the world.
Ruler of the Heavens: Amaterasu is considered the ruler of the heavens and the leader of the kami (deities). She is believed to have authority over all other deities and is often depicted as a powerful and benevolent figure.
Ancestral Deity of the Imperial Family: Amaterasu is regarded as the ancestral deity of the Japanese imperial family. According to legend, the first emperor of Japan, Emperor Jimmu, is said to be a direct descendant of Amaterasu, establishing the divine right of the imperial lineage.
Attributes and Significance
Depictions: Amaterasu is often depicted as a radiant and majestic figure, sometimes shown with symbols of the sun, such as a mirror or a sun disk. She is associated with light, purity, and the natural world.
Symbols: Common symbols associated with Amaterasu include the mirror, the sun disk, and the sacred regalia of Japan (the mirror Yata no Kagami, the sword Kusanagi no Tsurugi, and the jewel Yasakani no Magatama). These symbols are used in rituals and ceremonies to invoke her presence and blessings.
Cultural Hero: The stories and depictions of Amaterasu are passed down through generations, maintaining their significance in Japanese culture and mythology. She embodies the qualities of light, purity, and the interconnectedness of all life.
Practices of Worship
Rituals and Ceremonies: Devotees perform various rituals and ceremonies to honor Amaterasu. These include offerings of food, particularly rice and sake, and other goods to seek her favor and protection. Rituals often take place in Shinto shrines dedicated to Amaterasu, such as the Ise Grand Shrine.
Sacred Sites: The Ise Grand Shrine, located in Mie Prefecture, is the most important shrine dedicated to Amaterasu. It is considered the spiritual home of the Japanese people and is a major pilgrimage site. Other shrines dedicated to Amaterasu can be found throughout Japan.
Offerings: Offerings to Amaterasu typically include food, particularly rice and sake, and items related to her symbols, such as mirrors and sun disks. These offerings symbolize gratitude and the desire for protection and blessings.
Festivals and Traditions
Shinto Festivals: Various Shinto festivals, known as matsuri, are dedicated to Amaterasu. These festivals include prayers, rituals, and offerings to seek her blessings for the coming year. The most significant festival is the annual ceremony at the Ise Grand Shrine, where the emperor and other dignitaries offer prayers and offerings to Amaterasu.
Cultural Celebrations: Amaterasu's story may be included in cultural celebrations and festivals that honor Japanese heritage and traditions. These gatherings often include music, dance, and storytelling.
Prayers: Devotees pray to Amaterasu for protection, light, and success in their endeavors. Traditional prayers often invoke her role as the sun goddess and a symbol of purity and life.
Amaterasu's role as the sun goddess and ruler of the heavens embodies the core values and beliefs of Japanese mythology, emphasizing the importance of light, purity, and the interconnectedness of all life.
Narratives
The Birth of Amaterasu
Amaterasu, also known as Amaterasu-ōmikami, is the daughter of Izanagi and Izanami, the creator deities. According to myth, she was born from Izanagi's left eye during his purification ritual after escaping the underworld. Amaterasu's birth story highlights her divine origins and her role as the goddess of the sun and the universe.
Amaterasu and the Heavenly Rock Cave
One of the most famous stories involving Amaterasu is her retreat into the Heavenly Rock Cave (Ama-no-Iwato). Angered by her brother Susanoo's destructive behavior, Amaterasu hid herself in the cave, plunging the world into darkness. The other gods devised a plan to lure her out by performing a dance and creating a commotion outside the cave. Curious, Amaterasu peeked out, and the gods pulled her out, restoring light to the world. This story emphasizes Amaterasu's importance as the sun goddess and the efforts of the gods to bring her back.
Amaterasu and the Weaving Hall Incident
Susanoo, Amaterasu's brother, caused chaos in the heavens, including throwing a flayed horse into Amaterasu's weaving hall, which resulted in the death of one of her attendants. This incident further strained the relationship between Amaterasu and Susanoo, leading to his banishment from the heavens. This story highlights the conflict between the siblings and the consequences of Susanoo's actions.
Amaterasu and the Creation of Rice Fields
Amaterasu is credited with teaching humans the art of rice cultivation. She sent her grandson, Ninigi-no-Mikoto, to Earth with rice seeds and instructed him to cultivate the land. This story underscores Amaterasu's role in agriculture and her contribution to the sustenance of humanity.
Amaterasu and the Divine Mirror
The Yata no Kagami, or the Eight-Span Mirror, is one of the three sacred treasures of Japan. It was used to lure Amaterasu out of the Heavenly Rock Cave by reflecting her own light. The mirror symbolizes Amaterasu's presence and is enshrined at the Ise Grand Shrine, one of the most important Shinto shrines in Japan. This story highlights the significance of the mirror and its connection to Amaterasu.
Amaterasu and the Imperial Lineage
Amaterasu is considered the ancestral deity of the Japanese imperial family. According to legend, she sent her grandson, Ninigi-no-Mikoto, to Earth to rule, and his descendants became the emperors of Japan. This story emphasizes Amaterasu's divine authority and her role in legitimizing the imperial lineage.
Sacred Texts: Kojiki, Nihon Shoki