Omiinegami

Omiinegami [淤稲神; おみいねがみ] is the Kiren goddess of fertility, rice, prosperity, success, agriculture and industry. In ancient times this deity was seen as androgynous, but by the 1100s was considered to be a female kami. One of the oldest and most archetypal gods in the Kiren faith, Omiinegami has hundreds of different names and possibly the largest amount of enshrinements across the country, with over one-third being dedicated to her name. Archaeological findings suggest that she has been worshipped since the 7th century.
By the 16th century, Omiinegami was viewed less as a god of rice-growing and agriculture, and more as a symbol of prosperity and success in business. This reflected the changes of society during this time, and coincided with the rise of the merchant class. Some modern companies, such as the famous alcohol producer Yamaneko, continue to revere Omiinegami as a patron god, with shrines atop their corporate headquarters.
According to ancient myths, the goddess Omiinegami was said to have come to Heibaku soon after its creation amidst a harsh famine that had struck the land. As quoted from the Kanna Daiki:She descended riding on the back of a great white owl, and in one hand carried sheaves of grain, ine, which are now known as rice plants. As she flew, the Omiinegami scattered these grains across the land and they dispersed to the wind, eventually planting themselves with celestial power and growing to great luscious heights. Thus the Omiinegami saved the people from their starvation and ascended back to the Celestial Realm.In sculptures, paintings, woodblocks and most other depictions predating the 1500s, Omiinegami is usually portrayed as a plump, beautiful woman with flowing hair and wearing silken robes, sheaves of rice plants held in her right hand. In later depictions, Omiinegami does not carry rice plants but a large sickel, which traditionally symbolising 'reaping the rewards' of successful business. Starting from the late 1700s, Omiinegami was commonly depicted empty-handed, but wearing robes embellished with the character 滾 [yū], meaning 'abundance' or 'wealth'.
== Worship ==
Omiinegami is a popular deity with temples and shrines located throughout most of Kanton. According to a 1978 survey, over 27,000 enshrinements - just less than one third of all enshrinements in Kanton - are dedicated to Omiinegami. Her shrines and temples are often located near to plantations and crop fields for symbolic reasons, and also to bring blessings on the plants growing there.
The Inenari Festival or Koyūshin Festival, traditionally a rice-harvesting festival conducted during the harvest, is celebrated annually in a number of major cities throughout Kanton in late July. Although it has special significance for those living in agriculturally-focused rural areas, it is generally seen as a festival of abundance and revelry, during which families will amuse, pray to and actively worship the three Koyūshin kami in hopes of receiving blessings and good luck in the areas of finance, business and general success. The Koyūshin group of gods consists of Omiinegami, Chūzuri, and Miashisama.
Category:Kiren
Category:Deities