Kukunochi (久久能智神 – Tree Trunk Elder)[1] is the kami of trees,[2] the kami is also called Ki-no-kami,[3] or Kuku-no-shi. He is the brother of Ōyamatsumi, Shimatsuhiko, and Watatsumi.[4]
It is possible Kukunochi was originally a tama that dwelled in trees.[5][clarification needed] Kukunochi is found in older records.[6] Along with Toyoukehime this kami is considered a yafunegami.[3]
Many versions state he was born from Izanami and Izanagi, while others state he is the son of Shinatsuhiko.[1]
He is worshipped today on the occasion of roof raising ceremonies and the blessing of new houses.[3]
References
- ^ a b "Kukunochi • A History of Japan - 日本歴史". historyofjapan.co.uk. Retrieved 2020-10-14.
- ^ Ashkenazi, Michael (2003). Handbook of Japanese Mythology. ABC-CLIO. p. 298. ISBN 978-1-57607-467-1.
- ^ a b c "Encyclopedia of Shinto詳細". 國學院大學デジタルミュージアム (in Japanese). Retrieved 2021-09-01.
- ^ Coulter, Charles Russell; Turner, Patricia (2013-07-04). Encyclopedia of Ancient Deities. Routledge. p. 278. ISBN 978-1-135-96390-3.
- ^ "Evolution of the Concept of Kami". www2.kokugakuin.ac.jp. Retrieved 2021-09-05.
- ^ Aston, W. G. (2015-11-16). Shinto - The Ancient Religion of Japan. Read Books Ltd. ISBN 978-1-4733-7719-6.