Shinshi (神使,lit. 'spirit envoy')[5] areanimals inJapanese mythology that are believed to be associated with akami, a divine being. These animals are also known askami no tsukai ortsukawashime. In ancient texts such asKojiki andNihongi, there are tales of special animals that acted on behalf of thekami to transmit the divine will or to bear oracles.[5]
Over time animals were connected to certain shrines. It became a custom to take care of these animals when they were found within the area of the shrine. Normally, eachkami had only one animal familiar, but sometimes, there were some exceptions where akami had more than one. Even some of the "Seven Lucky Gods" likeDaikokuten (amouse) andBenzaiten (asnake) had animal familiars.[5]
Later thekami's animal familiar became a common symbol of thekami itself. For example, the foxes at Inari shrines was worshipped as a manifestation ofInari Ōkami. These creatures were thought to be extraordinary spiritual beings, and this perception, combined with their relationship with the specifickami, likely gave rise to this phenomenon.[5]
It probably originated inshamanic practices, where animals aided shamans in traveling to the spirit world. Different deities have different associated animals, such as foxes forInari Okami anddeer withKasuga.[1]
Many tribal communities viewed their shaman'sfamiliar as an ancestor, and this may have influenced the connection between animals and spirits in Shinto.[1] For example theKamo clan believed thatYatagarasu was their ancestorKamotaketsunumi no Mikoto.[1][6]
AtIse Jingu, roosters roam around and are believed to be the assistants of the sun goddess,Amaterasu. They wake her up every morning, according to folklore. Some experts believe that the rooster may be the bird depicted on thetorii, a gate that marks the entrance to a shrine.[1] They are believed to call up the dawn with their sounds.[4]
Inari Okami's fox messengers are considered to be her,[7] although bothShinto andBuddhist priests discourage it.[8] Rice food sake and other offerings are given to them for her[9]
In a book calledFusō Sakki, which was written in the middle of theHeian period in Japan, it is mentioned that a person who killed a white fox (known as shiratoume) near the Ise Shrine was exiled to that area. This suggests that there was a belief in spiritual foxes in ancient Japan.[10]
The "Chujin Harai-kun," a book written in the 12th century, states that thekami's messenger is second only to the eight greatkami and is subordinate to the 100,000kami. Moreover, "Kitakami Yuki-fu," an essay written in the early 19th century, explains that a ritual called hanasui-iwai is held every year on January 15. During this ritual, every new household is given a Shinshi.[11]
Due toShinbutsu shugo some buddhist deities have Shinshi such asMarici whose messenger is the boar.[12]
In the modern day they are considered a notable concept forenvironmentalism.[13]
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