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Amaterasu's Illumination Heaven

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Everyone knows that Japan is known for their beautiful sunrises, mainly because they are so far East. The Japanese word for “the Great Divinity Illumination Heaven” is Amaterasu Ōmikami, or Amaterasu. Amaterasu is known as the goddess of the sun, which explains the “Illuminating Heaven” part of the translation. The first part of the translation, “Great Divinity” represents her ties with the Japanese royal family, they claim that they are the descendants of Amaterasu. Along with being associated with the sun, its light, and the royalty of Japan, Amaterasu is known as the ruler of Takama no Hara (the High Celestial Plain) and most significant goddess of the Shinto religion. Izanagi and Izanami, the parents of Amaterasu, put her in charge of …show more content…

Regardless of the weather, her rice fields would always remain beautiful. Amaterasu’s brother, Susanoo, also had rice fields, but they were never quite up to par to his sisters. The ground would either crack from the drought, or shift and wash away during the rainy season. Susanoo was furious, and caused such chaos. All he set out to do was to get even with his sister. He soiled Amaterasu’s land hoping it would destroy the plants, and then Susanoo threw a colt into the heavens to startle Amaterasu. After, Amaterasu furiously locked herself in a cave. The plants could no longer grow, and the people could no longer survive without the sun. As a consequence of Amaterasu’s disappearance, the world was cast in total darkness and evil spirits ran riot over the earth. All the Gods tried to get Amaterasu back by placing offerings of fine cloth, rich jewels, combs, and mirrors, which they hung upon a sakaki tree. The Gods also danced and chanted by the door. She opened the door out of curiosity, and Susanoo was banished, never to return …show more content…

This also shows that women in early Japanese life were of high importance, and equal to men. Not only were they there for fertility and giving life, but they were also seen as rulers, warriors, and most importantly in control. Women were considered equal in the Shinto culture. Amaterasu is a very kind and calm goddess. She is very powerful, intimidating, and most of all well-liked. She looks like any typical human being, with long hair wearing a traditional Japanese silk cloth. She is the center of Japanese

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