Ame-no-Uzume : The Goddess of Dawn

Ame No Uzume

Introduction

In the Shinto religion of Japan, Ame-no-Uzume-no-Mikoto is regarded as the goddess of dawn, meditation, revelry, and the arts. She is the wife of fellow-god Sarutahiko Okami. In Japanese mythology, she relates to the story of Amaterasu OmiAmenouzume, who went missing. The celestial goddess who performed this dance enticed Amaterasu out of the cave where she had been hiding.

Physical Traits

According to some stories, Ame-no-Uzume is often seen wearing revealing clothes, but other kami find her to be more joyful and open-hearted. Unlike Amaterasu, who is reserved and strict, Ame-no-Uzume is not afraid to bring joy to others.

Family

Her husband, Sarutahiko Okami, is the leader of the kami. Their children created the noh and kagura theater forms.

Other Names

She is also known as Ame-no-Uzume-no-Mikoto, The Great Persuader, and The Heavenly Alarming Female. Her name is often shortened to Uzume, and her given name is Ama, which literally means light. Her name can also be translated in various ways including “The great goddess, shining Uzume.”

Powers and Abilities

She is known for her role in the creation of various art forms in Japan, such as the kagura, which is a dance that tells the stories of kami, and the ancient noh. She is also depicted in various forms of comedy and theater, such as the kyogen.

Due to the connections between her husband and various theatrical forms, Ame-no-Uzume is regarded as the goddess of revelry. In addition to her husband, she is also regarded as a goddess associatied with the Japanese fox spirit kitsune.

Modern Day Influence

Although worship and influence of the Shinto religion has reduced considerably in recent times, Ame No Uzume is still mentioned in the Shinto pantheon. There are many shrines dedicated to the goddess including Chiyo shrine, Tsubaki America Shrine and Tsubaki Grand Shrine. The classical music and dancing used in Shintō religious ceremonies, kagura, is said to have originated with her performance. In pop culture, Ame-no-Uzume is a type of demon commonly featured various types of media. It can be seen in various forms of video games, such as the Megami Tensei series.