Kami facts for kids
Kami (神) is a Japanese word for the spirits or powers that are worshipped in the Shinto religion. Shinto is the traditional religion of Japan. Kami are not always like the gods you might think of. Instead, they are often connected to natural things and events.
For example, kami can be found in the growth of trees, the falling rain, or the blowing wind. People believe these kami live within these parts of Nature. They are seen as sacred forces that help shape the world.
It is often said that there are "yaoyorozu-no-kami" (八百万の神, eight-million Kami). In Japanese, the number "eight-million" doesn't mean exactly 8,000,000. It is used to mean a very large or infinite number. This shows that there are countless kami everywhere.
Even though the word kami can be translated in many ways into English, no single English word fully explains its meaning. It's a unique concept in Japanese culture.
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Important Kami in Shinto
Many different kami are important in Shinto beliefs. Each one has a special role or represents something unique. Here are some of the most well-known kami:
Kami of the Sun and Storms
- Amaterasu: She is the sun goddess. Amaterasu is one of the most important kami. She is believed to be the ancestor of the Japanese Imperial Family.
- Susanoo: This kami is the god of storms and the sea. He is known for his powerful and sometimes wild nature.
Kami of Nature and Life
- Inari: This kami is often seen as the god of foxes, rice, and business. Shrines dedicated to Inari often have many fox statues.
- Ryūjin: He is the powerful god of the sea. Ryūjin controls the ocean and its creatures.
- Sarutahiko: This kami is associated with the earth. He is often seen as a guide or leader.
Kami of Creation and Death
- Izanagi: He is known as the first man. Izanagi, along with Izanami, played a key role in creating the Japanese islands.
- Izanami: She is known as the first woman. Izanami helped create the land and many other kami.
- Shinigami: These are kami of death. They are sometimes seen as guiding spirits to the afterlife.
Groupings of Kami
- Kotoamatsukami: This refers to the primary kami trinity. They were the first kami to appear at the beginning of the universe.
Related Shinto Topics
- Shinto: Learn more about the religion itself.
- Shinto shrine: These are special places where kami are worshipped.
- Inugami: These are dog spirits, a type of kami.
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Mythic Texts and Folktales: |
Images for kids
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Itsukushima Shinto Shrine, Miyajima Island, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan. This shrine is believed to be where the kami dwell, and hosts many ceremonies and festivals.
See also
In Spanish: Kami para niños
