The Kami Ebisu by

Ebisu

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One of the seven gods of fortune.

Possible Origin

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Some believe he was originally to be a god among fishermen.

Origin as Hiruko

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Is believed to be the first child of Izanagi and Izanami.

God of Fishermen

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Often ritualistically prayed to by fishermen before heading to sea.

The God of Luck

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Kyoto Ebisu Shrine

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One of the most popular shrines dedicated to the god Ebisu.

Cast to the Sea

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After three years of being born without bones, Hiruko was cast to the sea by his parents.

Praying Ritual

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Donate spare change, bow deeply twice, clap twice, moment of prayer, bow once again.

A Toss for Good Luck

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It's a tradition to toss spare change onto the rake in hopes of "raking in good fortune". Kyoto Ebisu Shrine.

Ebisu Festival

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A time to worship Ebisu, praying and purchasing items to aid in the pursuit of wealth and good fortune.

Prosperity

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often sought out by businessmen looking for prosperity and good fortune.

Good luck bamboo

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often purchased during the Toka Ebisu festival, people will cover the branches of these bamboos with charms and talismans in hopes of good luck.

Knock, Knock

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Said to be hard of hearing, it is said if you knock on a specified shrine board on your way out, he will hear your prayer.

One with the Ocean and Safe waters

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Fishermen say Ebisu keeps the oceans safe and pristine.

Disruption and pollution

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Is said to be angered when people pollute the ocean.

Association

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Megafauna that bring in fish and protect fishermen are often associated with Ebisu.

The Lucky Fish of Japan

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Often depicted carrying a red sea bream in imagery and statues.

The Seven Gods of Fortune

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Sometime later, Ebisu became one of the more popular seven gods of fortune.

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Depictions of him can occasionally be seen in places of commerce.

Fuse Ebisu Shrine

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"The Laughing God"

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A title he earned when he kept his mirth despite his hardships.

Izanami's transgression

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Resulted in Hiruko being born with not bones. Or in other stories, with no arms or legs.

Kamidama

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A shrine for the family to worship a Kami at home.

Harmony with nature

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Likely in areas like the sea where humans interact with it in order to obtain food.

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Heavily opposed in Japan, as whales are seen as incarnations of Ebisu.

The Ainu

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Eventually was washed ashore and was raised by the Ainu.

Red Sea Bream

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represents the oceans bounty and his role as the god of fishermen.

Company branding

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is occasionally seen on company products from Japan.

objects adrift

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some communities associate Ebisu with objects that drift ashore.

Relevance

k0520648 — 2024-11-23 06:11:39 UTC

Often paired with Daikokuten, the god of fortune and wealth.