Ame-no-Uzume is a revered goddess in the Shinto religion of Japan. She is known as the goddess of dawn, laughter, merrymaking, revelry, and the arts. Her name, Ame-no-Uzume, translates to “heavenly persuader,” which refers to her role in luring the sun goddess Amaterasu out of a cave where she had retreated, thus restoring light to the world.
In Japanese mythology, Ame-no-Uzume is often depicted as a young and beautiful goddess, adorned with flowing robes and a headdress made of sakaki leaves. She is known for her lively and playful personality, which is said to have helped her in her role as the goddess of merrymaking. Ame-no-Uzume is often associated with the sound of drums, which were used in the story of her successful attempt to lure Amaterasu out of hiding.
According to Shinto mythology, Ame-no-Uzume is married to the god Sarutahiko Okami, who is often depicted as a guide to the living. Together, they have a son named Ugayafukiaezu, who is known as the father of the first emperor of Japan. Ame-no-Uzume’s family tree is said to be vast and complex, with many other gods and goddesses connected to her lineage.
Overview
Ame-no-Uzume is a popular goddess in Shinto religion, known for being the goddess of dawn, humor, and dancing. Her name translates to “heavenly persuader,” and she is often depicted as a beautiful and lively goddess. She is also known as the wife of Sarutahiko Ōkami, another important god in the Shinto religion.
Ame-no-Uzume is often associated with the story of Amaterasu, the sun goddess who had hidden herself in a cave. Ame-no-Uzume was able to lure her out of the cave by performing a lively dance and making the other gods laugh. This story is often seen as a symbol of the power of joy and laughter to overcome darkness.
In addition to her role in mythology, Ame-no-Uzume has also been an important figure in Japanese culture and art. She has been depicted in various forms of media, including paintings, sculptures, and anime. Her image is often associated with the sun and light, and she is seen as a symbol of happiness and positivity.
Etymology
Ame-no-Uzume’s name is derived from the Japanese words “ame,” meaning “heaven,” “no,” indicating possession, and “uzume,” which means “whirling.” Her name can be translated to mean “The Heavenly Possessor of Whirling.”
In Japanese mythology, Ame-no-Uzume is described as a goddess of dawn, mirth, meditation, revelry, and the arts. She is also known as the wife of Sarutahiko Ōkami, another prominent god in Shinto religion.
The name “Ame-no-Uzume” is often shortened to “Uzume” or “Otafuku,” which is another name for the goddess. She is sometimes referred to as “The Great Persuader,” due to her ability to bring Amaterasu, the sun goddess, out of hiding with her dance.
Overall, Ame-no-Uzume’s name and titles reflect her positive attributes and her role in Japanese mythology as a bringer of joy and light.
Attributes
Ame-no-Uzume is a multifaceted goddess with several attributes. Here are some of them:
Iconography
Ame-no-Uzume is often depicted as a lively and energetic figure, with a wide smile on her face. She is usually shown wearing a flowing robe and a headdress made of flowers and leaves. In some depictions, she is shown dancing or playing musical instruments.
Symbols
Ame-no-Uzume’s symbols include the sakaki tree, which is a sacred tree in Shinto mythology, and the club moss, which is a type of plant that was used in ancient Japan for medicinal purposes. She is also associated with laughter, dance, and merrymaking.
Roles
Ame-no-Uzume has several roles in Shinto mythology. One of her most important roles is that of the goddess of dawn, who brings light to the world and dispels darkness. She is also a master of dance and music, and is often invoked during festivals and other celebrations. In addition, she is known for her ingenuity and her ability to think on her feet, as demonstrated in the story of how she lured Amaterasu out of the cave.
Overall, Ame-no-Uzume is a vibrant and dynamic goddess who embodies the spirit of joy and creativity. Her attributes and roles make her an important figure in Shinto mythology, and her influence can be seen in many aspects of Japanese culture and religious practices.
Family Tree
Ancestry
Ame-no-Uzume is considered to be one of the daughters of the god of creation, Izanagi, and his wife, Izanami. She is also believed to be the sister of other important deities such as Amaterasu, the sun goddess, and Susanoo, the god of storms and sea.
Descendants
Although Ame-no-Uzume is not known to have any direct descendants, she is considered to be an important ancestor of the Imperial family of Japan. According to Shinto mythology, the first emperor of Japan, Emperor Jimmu, was a direct descendant of Amaterasu, who was brought back to the world by Ame-no-Uzume’s clever dance.
Additionally, Ame-no-Uzume is also believed to be the mother of Sarutahiko Ōkami, a god of guidance and protection who is often depicted as a monkey-like figure. According to Shinto mythology, Ame-no-Uzume married Sarutahiko Ōkami after he helped her lure Amaterasu out of the cave. Together, they are believed to have had several children who went on to become important deities in their own right.
Overall, Ame-no-Uzume’s family tree is a complex and important part of Shinto mythology, with many of her descendants going on to play significant roles in Japanese culture and religion.
Mythology
Origin Legends
Ame-no-Uzume is a Shinto goddess of dawn, mirth, meditation, revelry and the arts in the Shinto religion of Japan. According to the legend, Ame-no-Uzume was a young among the eight hundred spirits who throned around the cave’s entrance. She, however, was the one to come up with a clever plan to lure Amaterasu out. She told the assembled gods to yell and laugh as though a great celebration were happening in Heaven. Her ingenuity brought Amaterasu, the sun goddess, back into the world, saving the earth from eternal winter’s night.
Major Myths
One of the most famous myths of Ame-no-Uzume is the story of the sun goddess Amaterasu’s retreat into a cave, which plunged the world into darkness. Ame-no-Uzume performed a spontaneous dance enticing Amaterasu out of the cave in which she had secluded herself and had thus deprived the world of light. Ame-no-Uzume decorated herself with club moss and leaves of the sakaki tree, lit bonfires, and made a platform of an upturned tub. She then danced on the platform, while the other gods cheered and clapped, creating a raucous noise that attracted Amaterasu’s curiosity. When Amaterasu peeked out of the cave to see what was happening, the other gods pulled her out, and the world was once again filled with light.
Cultural Significance
Ame-no-Uzume’s influence extends beyond the realm of folklore, leaving a lasting impact on various aspects of Japanese culture and religious practices. Her story is often told in the context of the changing seasons, as the return of the sun goddess Amaterasu represents the rebirth of the world and the coming of spring. Ame-no-Uzume is also associated with the performing arts, particularly dance, and is often depicted in traditional Japanese theater and dance performances. Her image can be seen on everything from temple decorations to modern-day manga and anime, making her a beloved and enduring figure in Japanese mythology.