Amaterasu
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Definition
Proper noun The central and most important deity in the Shinto religion. Amaterasu is the goddess who personifies the sun and is considered the divine ancestor of the Imperial family of Japan.
Usage
Amaterasu is used as a name referring specifically to this Shinto sun goddess. It is a proper noun and is typically capitalized.
Examples
- According to Japanese mythology, Amaterasu hid in a cave, plunging the world into darkness.
- The Ise Grand Shrine is dedicated to the worship of Amaterasu.
- Many stories describe Amaterasu as the ruler of the heavenly realm, Takamagahara.
Advanced Usage
- Amaterasu-Ōmikami: This is her full, honorific title, often translated as "the Great August Goddess Who Shines in Heaven."
- In historical and cultural contexts, references to the Japanese emperor's divine right often trace back to the lineage of Amaterasu.
Variants and Related Words
- Amaterasu-Ōmikami: The full, honorific name of the goddess.
- Sun Goddess: A descriptive English term for Amaterasu.
- Shinto: The indigenous religion of Japan in which Amaterasu is the central deity.
- Kami: A Japanese term for a god, deity, or spirit; Amaterasu is a major .
Different Meanings
As a proper noun, Amaterasu refers exclusively to this specific Shinto deity. It does not have other general meanings.
Synonyms
- The Sun Goddess
- Heaven-Illuminating Great Deity (translation of Amaterasu-Ōmikami)
Idioms and Cultural References
- "The Cave of Amaterasu": A reference to the famous myth where she retreats to a cave, symbolizing withdrawal, darkness, and subsequent return/restoration.
- "Descendant of Amaterasu": A phrase historically used to signify the divine ancestry of the Japanese emperor.
Noun
- central deity of Shinto; goddess personifying the sun and ancestress of the rulers of Japan