Place of Origin: Japan
Origin Date: Tsukuyomi's myths are recorded in ancient texts such as the Kojiki (circa 712 CE) and Nihon Shoki (circa 720 CE).
Domain: Moon, night.
Symbols: The moon, often depicted as a crescent.
Attributes: Control over the moon and night, embodying calmness and serenity.
Religion: Shinto
Description
Tsukuyomi-no-Mikoto, often referred to simply as Tsukuyomi, is the Shinto god of the moon and one of the "Three Noble Children" born from the purification ritual of Izanagi, the creator deity. Tsukuyomi emerged from Izanagi's right eye, symbolizing his celestial and serene nature.
As the moon deity, Tsukuyomi is associated with beauty, order, and the passage of time, reflecting the moon's role in marking months and seasons. Despite his serene and noble demeanor, Tsukuyomi is also known for his strict adherence to etiquette and order, which led to a significant mythological event.
In one tale, Tsukuyomi attended a feast hosted by Ukemochi, the goddess of food. Disgusted by her method of creating food—spitting and excreting it—Tsukuyomi killed her in a fit of rage, deeming her actions a breach of etiquette. This act enraged his sister and consort, Amaterasu, the sun goddess, who banished him from her presence. This separation of the sun and moon explains why day and night are never together.
Tsukuyomi's mythology highlights themes of duality, balance, and the consequences of rigid morality. While he is less celebrated than his siblings Amaterasu and Susanoo, Tsukuyomi remains an important figure in Shinto beliefs, embodying the moon's quiet yet powerful influence over the natural world.
Relations: Son of Izanagi and Izanami, brother of Amaterasu (sun goddess) and Susanoo (storm god).
Epithets: Tsukuyomi-no-Mikoto, Tsukiyomi.
Equivalents: There are no direct equivalents in other religions, but Tsukuyomi shares similarities with moon deities in other mythologies, such as Selene in Greek mythology and Luna in Roman mythology.
Iconography: Tsukuyomi is often depicted as a serene and noble figure, sometimes shown with a crescent moon.
Worship Beliefs and Practices of Tsukuyomi-no-Mikoto
Tsukuyomi-no-Mikoto is a significant deity in Japanese mythology and Shinto religion, known as the moon kami (god). He is one of the three noble children born from the purification ritual of Izanagi, the creator god.
Core Beliefs
God of the Moon: Tsukuyomi is revered as the god of the moon, representing the beauty and serenity of the night. His name is often translated as "moon-reading" or "moon-watching," reflecting the practice of moon-gazing and poetry reading in ancient Japan.
Order and Etiquette: Tsukuyomi is associated with order and etiquette. He is known for his strict adherence to these ideals, even to the point of committing extreme actions to enforce them. This aspect of his character is highlighted in the myth where he kills the food goddess Uke Mochi for her unconventional methods of preparing food.
Estranged Relationship with Amaterasu: Tsukuyomi is often depicted as the estranged husband of Amaterasu, the sun goddess. After killing Uke Mochi, Amaterasu was so angered that she refused to ever look at Tsukuyomi again, leading to the separation of day and night.
Attributes and Significance
Depictions: Tsukuyomi is often depicted as a serene and beautiful figure, embodying the calm and reflective nature of the moon. He is sometimes shown with symbols of the moon and night.
Symbols: Common symbols associated with Tsukuyomi include the moon, night, and elements of nature that reflect the tranquility of the night.
Cultural Hero: The stories and depictions of Tsukuyomi are passed down through generations, maintaining their significance in Japanese culture and mythology. He embodies the qualities of order, beauty, and the serene aspects of the night.
Practices of Worship
Rituals and Ceremonies: Devotees perform various rituals and ceremonies to honor Tsukuyomi. These include offerings of food and other goods to seek his favor and protection. Rituals often take place during the night, under the light of the moon.
Sacred Sites: Temples and shrines dedicated to Tsukuyomi can be found throughout Japan. These sites are often located in places associated with the moon and night, such as hilltops and coastal areas.
Offerings: Offerings to Tsukuyomi typically include food and items related to his symbols, such as representations of the moon. These offerings symbolize gratitude and the desire for protection and blessings.
Festivals and Traditions
Tsukimi (Moon Viewing): Tsukimi is a traditional Japanese festival dedicated to moon viewing, celebrated in autumn. The festival includes prayers, rituals, and offerings to seek Tsukuyomi's blessings for the coming year. It is also a time for poetry reading and reflection under the moonlight.
Cultural Celebrations: Tsukuyomi'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 Tsukuyomi for protection, order, and success in their endeavors. Traditional prayers often invoke his role as the god of the moon and a symbol of serenity.
Tsukuyomi's role as the god of the moon embodies the core values and beliefs of Japanese mythology, emphasizing the importance of order, beauty, and the interconnectedness of all life.
Narratives
The Birth of Tsukuyomi-no-Mikoto
Tsukuyomi-no-Mikoto, also known as Tsukuyomi, is one of the three noble children born from the purification ritual of Izanagi, the creator deity. According to myth, Tsukuyomi was born from Izanagi's right eye when he washed himself after escaping the underworld. In another version, Tsukuyomi was born from a mirror made of white copper in Izanagi's right hand. This story highlights Tsukuyomi's divine origins and his connection to the celestial realm.
Tsukuyomi and Amaterasu
Tsukuyomi's relationship with his sister Amaterasu, the sun goddess, is complex. In one famous myth, Amaterasu sent Tsukuyomi to represent her at a feast presented by Ukemochi, the food goddess. Ukemochi created food by turning to the ocean and spitting out a fish, facing a forest and spitting out game, and turning to a rice paddy and coughing up a bowl of rice. Disgusted by the manner in which the food was made, Tsukuyomi killed Ukemochi. Amaterasu was horrified by Tsukuyomi's actions and refused to ever look at him again, leading to the separation of day and night.
Tsukuyomi's Banishment
Following the incident with Ukemochi, Tsukuyomi was banished from the heavens. This myth emphasizes the themes of conflict and reconciliation, as well as the importance of harmony among the deities. Tsukuyomi's banishment reflects the cyclical nature of existence, where darkness and light must coexist.
Tsukuyomi's Role in Shinto Beliefs
Within the Shinto belief system, Tsukuyomi is revered as a major deity. His association with the lunar cycle connects him to agriculture, particularly rice cultivation, which was vital for sustenance in ancient Japan. The moon's phases are believed to influence the planting and harvesting of crops, making Tsukuyomi an essential figure for farmers.
Sacred Texts: Kojiki, Nihon Shoki.