Ryukyuan mythology is a complex and deeply ingrained belief system that has been an integral part of the cultural fabric of the Ryukyu Islands, including Okinawa, Amami, Miyako, and Yaeyama Islands. Unlike mainland Japan, where Shintoism dominates, the Ryukyu Islands have their own distinct set of spiritual beliefs that have been preserved over centuries. Ryukyuan mythology is characterized by its rich pantheon of deities, reverence for natural elements, and strong emphasis on ancestor worship. These beliefs are reflected in various aspects of life, from the architectural layout of homes, which often include altars dedicated to deities and ancestors, to the islanders’ agricultural practices, which are heavily influenced by seasonal rituals and the perceived will of the gods.
The Ryukyu Kingdom, which existed from the 15th century until its annexation by Japan in 1879, was a prosperous maritime state that engaged in extensive trade with China, Japan, Korea, and Southeast Asia. This period of international trade, particularly during the Ming Dynasty, led to the integration of diverse cultural and religious practices into Ryukyuan society. For example, Chinese Confucianism and Buddhism significantly influenced Ryukyuan ancestor worship practices, while Southeast Asian animism contributed to the veneration of natural spirits. Despite these external influences, Ryukyuan mythology retained a unique identity, deeply rooted in the islands’ indigenous beliefs and customs.
The importance of mythology in Ryukyuan society can be seen in its reflection on the social and political structures of the kingdom. The belief in the divine origin of the Ryukyu kings, who were considered descendants of the gods, legitimized their rule and reinforced the hierarchical structure of Ryukyuan society. Additionally, religious festivals and rituals, such as the Shuri Festival, played a crucial role in uniting the community and reinforcing social cohesion.
Core Deities and Creation Myth
Amamikyu and The Creation Myth
The creation myth of the Ryukyu Islands centers around the deities Amamikyu and Shinerikyu, who are believed to have descended from the heavens to create the islands. According to legend, Amamikyu, the goddess of creation, arrived at Sefa-Utaki, a sacred site located on Okinawa Island, where she began to build the islands by forming the first human settlements. This myth reflects the Ryukyuan belief in the sacredness of the natural world, with Sefa-Utaki, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, being considered the most sacred place in Ryukyuan religion.
The story of Amamikyu’s descent is not just a tale of creation but also a reflection of the Ryukyuans’ understanding of the world around them. The myth explains the origins of the social order within the Ryukyu Kingdom, where Tentei, the Heavenly Emperor, sent his offspring to rule over the different strata of society. The first king, Tenson, was believed to have been divinely appointed, which reinforced the notion that the ruling class had a sacred duty to govern the land and its people. The myth also explains the origin of the Noro priestesses, who were said to be descendants of Amamikyu and were entrusted with the responsibility of conducting rituals and maintaining spiritual balance within the community.
Other Prominent Deities
In addition to Amamikyu and Shinerikyu, Ryukyuan mythology features a pantheon of deities that play vital roles in the daily lives of the islanders. Tiida, the sun god, is one of the most important deities, revered for his life-giving power. The Ryukyu kings, who were often referred to as “Tedako” or “the sons of the sun,” were believed to derive their authority from Tiida. This association between the king and the sun god is reflective of the broader Ryukyuan cosmology, which emphasizes the interconnectedness of the divine, natural, and human realms.
Another significant deity is Hinukan, the hearth god, who is believed to reside in the hearth of every household. Hinukan is responsible for protecting the home and ensuring the well-being of the family. The hearth, where Hinukan resides, is considered the most sacred part of the home, and daily offerings of food and water are made to honor him. The belief in Hinukan underscores the Ryukyuan emphasis on the sanctity of the home and the importance of maintaining harmony within the household.
In addition to Hinukan, the Ryukyuans also worshipped Fuuru nu Kami, the god of the toilet, reflecting the belief that all aspects of daily life, no matter how mundane, are under the watchful eye of the gods. This practice is indicative of the Ryukyuan belief in the omnipresence of the divine and the importance of maintaining purity and cleanliness in all areas of life.
Religious Practices and Rituals
The Role of Priestesses (Noro and Yuta)
The spiritual landscape of the Ryukyu Islands is dominated by female religious figures, particularly the Noro priestesses and the Yuta shamans. The Noro, who were believed to be descendants of Amamikyu, played a crucial role in maintaining the spiritual well-being of the community. They were responsible for conducting rituals, blessing crops, and ensuring that the community remained in harmony with the gods. The Noro were also involved in the selection and coronation of Ryukyu kings, further cementing their influence in both religious and political spheres.
The hierarchy of the Noro priestesses was formalized during the reign of King Shō Shin in the late 15th century. At the top of this hierarchy was the Kikoe-ōgimi, the high priestess who oversaw all religious activities within the kingdom. The Kikoe-ōgimi was often a member of the royal family, usually the king’s sister, and her role was crucial in legitimizing the king’s divine right to rule. The Noro system extended to villages, where local priestesses conducted rituals specific to their communities. This system ensured that the religious practices of the Ryukyu Kingdom were unified and consistent across the islands.
Yuta, on the other hand, were female shamans who practiced divination and healing. Unlike the Noro, whose authority was institutionalized, Yuta operated independently and were sought after for their abilities to communicate with spirits and ancestors. Yuta were often called upon to resolve personal and family issues, such as illness or misfortune, believed to be caused by spiritual imbalances. The role of Yuta in Ryukyuan society highlights the deep-seated belief in the power of spirits and the necessity of maintaining balance between the human and spiritual worlds.
Ancestor Worship
Ancestor worship is a central aspect of Ryukyuan spiritual life, with the Buchidan, or family altar, serving as the focal point for these practices. The Buchidan is typically located in the most honored room of the house, often the guest room, and is adorned with ancestral tablets, offerings of food and drink, and incense. Daily prayers and offerings are made to the ancestors to ensure their continued protection and blessings. During important festivals such as the New Year and Obon, families gather at the Buchidan to honor their ancestors and seek their guidance.
Ryukyuan ancestor worship is heavily influenced by Confucianism, which emphasizes filial piety and the veneration of one’s ancestors. However, it also incorporates indigenous beliefs, such as the idea that ancestors continue to exist in the spirit world and can influence the lives of the living. This belief is reflected in the elaborate rituals and ceremonies performed at family tombs, which are unique to the Ryukyu Islands. These tombs, known as “kamekōbaka,” are often large, horseshoe-shaped structures that house the remains of multiple generations. The tombs are visited regularly, particularly during the Shimi festival in the spring, when families come together to clean the tombs, offer food and drink, and perform rituals to honor the spirits of their ancestors.
The practice of ancestor worship also extends to the concept of “Muudun,” or “Mabui,” which refers to the spiritual essence or soul of a person. It is believed that the Muudun of an ancestor can linger in the world of the living and may require special rituals to be properly enshrined or appeased. This belief underscores the importance of maintaining a strong connection with one’s ancestors and ensuring that their spirits are at peace.
Sacred Spaces and Community Worship
Utaki (Sacred Groves)
Utaki, or sacred groves, are central to Ryukyuan religious practices and are considered the dwelling places of gods and spirits. These natural sites, often located in remote areas such as forests, mountains, or by the sea, are revered as places where the divine and natural worlds intersect. Sefa-Utaki, the most sacred of these groves, is located in the southern part of Okinawa Island and is believed to be the site where Amamikyu descended to Earth. This site, which consists of a series of stone altars and pathways, is still used for rituals and ceremonies, particularly during the Shuri Festival, when the king and priestesses would perform rites to ensure the prosperity of the kingdom.
Other notable Utaki include Kudaka Island, also known as the “Island of the Gods,” where it is believed that the deities first arrived before spreading to the other islands. Kudaka Island is considered so sacred that certain areas are off-limits to the general public, and only priestesses are allowed to enter. The island is home to several Utaki, each associated with different deities and rituals, reflecting the deep spiritual connection between the Ryukyuans and their natural environment.
Beyond the household gods and the sacred Utaki, Ryukyuans have a deep connection with various community deities and spirits that are believed to inhabit natural elements like mountains, rivers, and seas. These deities are central to the agricultural and fishing practices that sustain the islanders’ livelihoods. For example, certain mountains, like Mt. Yonaha, are considered sacred and are believed to house powerful spirits that control weather patterns and agricultural success. Fishermen often perform rituals before setting out to sea, seeking the favor of sea deities to ensure a bountiful catch and safe return.
The veneration of chthonic spirits—those believed to reside in natural formations such as rocks, trees, and caves—also plays a crucial role in Ryukyuan religious life. One prominent example is the worship of the “Ishiganto,” protective stone tablets placed at the entrance of villages or homes to ward off evil spirits. These tablets are inscribed with symbols and prayers and are believed to protect the community from misfortune. This practice reflects the animistic roots of Ryukyuan religion, where every aspect of the natural world is imbued with spiritual significance.
Another example is the worship of “Kijimunaa,” mischievous tree spirits believed to inhabit the ancient banyan trees found throughout the islands. Kijimunaa are often depicted as childlike figures with red hair and are both feared and revered by the locals. While they can bring good luck and prosperity if appeased, they are also known to cause trouble if disrespected. The Kijimunaa serve as a reminder of the importance of living in harmony with nature and the spirits that dwell within it.
The Ryukyuan belief in the interconnectedness of the human and spiritual realms is also evident in the practice of “Seimeisai,” or village purification rituals. These rituals, often led by the Noro priestesses, involve the entire community and are performed to cleanse the village of malevolent spirits and ensure a prosperous year ahead. The Seimeisai is a reflection of the Ryukyuan belief in the importance of maintaining spiritual purity and harmony within the community.
Influence of Ryukyuan Mythology on Modern Culture
Despite the pressures of modernization and cultural assimilation, Ryukyuan mythology continues to be an integral part of the islanders’ cultural identity. Many traditional practices, such as ancestor worship, the veneration of household deities, and the observance of sacred festivals, remain deeply embedded in the daily lives of the Ryukyuan people. For example, the Obon festival, a time to honor the spirits of the dead, is still widely celebrated across the islands. During Obon, families gather at their ancestral tombs to offer prayers and food to their deceased relatives, a practice that has remained largely unchanged for centuries.
However, Ryukyuan religious practices have also evolved over time, adapting to the influences of mainland Japan and the broader global culture. For instance, the introduction of Buddhism and Shintoism from Japan has led to the incorporation of these religious elements into Ryukyuan rituals. It is not uncommon to find a Shinto shrine or a Buddhist altar alongside a Buchidan in a Ryukyuan home, reflecting the syncretic nature of the islanders’ spiritual practices.
The impact of Ryukyuan mythology on modern culture is also evident in the arts, particularly in traditional music, dance, and theater. The “Eisa” dance, performed during the Obon festival, is a vibrant expression of Ryukyuan culture that incorporates elements of mythology, ancestor worship, and community spirit. The dance, accompanied by drums and sanshin (a traditional three-stringed instrument), often depicts scenes from Ryukyuan myths and legends, serving as a living testament to the enduring influence of these ancient beliefs.
In recent years, there has been a growing interest in preserving and promoting Ryukyuan mythology as a vital part of the world’s cultural heritage. Scholars, cultural organizations, and local governments have undertaken efforts to document and study these traditions, ensuring that they are passed down to future generations. For example, the Ryukyu University has established a Center for Ryukyuan and Okinawan Studies, dedicated to researching and preserving the region’s unique cultural and religious practices.
The global recognition of Ryukyuan cultural heritage has been further bolstered by UNESCO’s designation of several sites in the Ryukyu Islands as World Heritage Sites. Sefa-Utaki, the most sacred site in Ryukyuan religion, was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list in 2000 as part of the “Gusuku Sites and Related Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu.” This designation has not only brought international attention to the significance of Ryukyuan mythology but has also spurred efforts to preserve these sacred sites for future generations.
In addition to UNESCO recognition, there has been a resurgence of interest in Ryukyuan mythology in popular culture, particularly in literature, film, and tourism. For instance, Okinawa’s cultural tourism industry has capitalized on the unique spiritual heritage of the islands, offering visitors the opportunity to participate in traditional rituals, visit sacred sites, and learn about Ryukyuan mythology. This renewed interest in Ryukyuan culture, both locally and globally, reflects a broader trend towards valuing and preserving indigenous traditions in an increasingly globalized world.
From the creation myth of Amamikyu, which explains the divine origins of the islands and their people, to the daily rituals of ancestor worship that connect the living with the spirits of their ancestors, these beliefs offer a profound connection to the past and a guide for navigating the present. The pantheon of deities, the sacred spaces like Utaki, and the unique religious practices such as the Noro priestess system all contribute to a rich spiritual heritage that remains vibrant and relevant in modern Ryukyu culture.
