Garengami

Garengami [衒迂神; がれんがみ] is a Kiren god traditionally regarded as a vanquisher of bad fortune and evil beings. His name has many variations, including Utsuyakami, Koishinya, and Nuōgoi. He is, however, universally depicted as a large man with a long black beard, wrinkled face and a wrathful or stern expression. Garengami is reputedly able to command thousands of demons to do his bidding, and is often associated with the Garen sect of Kiren, which worships him as their main god. In general practice, he is considered a protector of humans from ill fortune and the influence of malicious spirits.
In Kantonese society, particularly in the lower classes, Garengami's image has often been used as a guard against evil influences. As his animal form is said to be a cormorant bird, the use of cormorant feathers as talismans of protection was practiced throughout the medieval period. Additional symbols included red coral and redcap fungi. Stone or wooden statues of him may also guard houses, hospitals or businesses.
Category:Kiren
Category:Deities