Tsukuyomi is a prominent deity in Shinto, the traditional religion of Japan. Often referred to as Tsukuyomi-no-Mikoto, he is the god of the moon and the night. According to myth, Tsukuyomi was born from the right eye of the primordial god Izanagi. He is the sibling of the sun goddess Amaterasu and the storm god Susanoo. Tsukuyomi’s actions, particularly killing the food goddess Uke Mochi, caused a rift between him and Amaterasu, leading to their separation and explaining why day and night are distinct. His role highlights the importance of lunar cycles in Japanese culture and mythology.
Origins and Etymology
The name Tsukuyomi is derived from the Japanese words “tsuku” (moon) and “yomi” (to read or count), thus it can be interpreted as “reading the moon” or “moon reader.” This etymology hints at Tsukuyomi’s role in timekeeping and the agricultural calendar, which were crucial in ancient Japanese society. Tsukuyomi’s origins are primarily found in two ancient texts: the “Kojiki” (Records of Ancient Matters) and the “Nihon Shoki” (Chronicles of Japan), both of which were compiled in the early 8th century.
The Birth of Tsukuyomi
According to the “Kojiki,” Tsukuyomi was born from the right eye of Izanagi, a primordial god who, along with his sister-wife Izanami, created the islands of Japan and many other deities. In another version found in the “Nihon Shoki,” Tsukuyomi was created from a mirror held in Izanagi’s right hand. These differing accounts reflect the rich oral traditions and varying regional stories that were eventually consolidated into the written texts.
Tsukuyomi’s Role in Shinto Mythology
The Heavenly Siblings
Tsukuyomi is part of a divine triad with his siblings Amaterasu and Susanoo. Amaterasu, born from Izanagi’s left eye, is the goddess of the sun and the universe’s ruler. Susanoo, born from Izanagi’s nose, governs storms and the sea. Together, they form a powerful trio representing the key elements of nature: the sun, the moon, and the sea.
The Banquet of Ukemochi
One of the most significant myths involving Tsukuyomi is the story of Ukemochi, the food goddess. Amaterasu once sent Tsukuyomi to represent her at a celestial banquet hosted by Ukemochi. In preparation for the feast, Ukemochi began to produce food from her mouth, nose, and rectum. Disgusted by this act, Tsukuyomi killed her. When Amaterasu learned of Tsukuyomi’s deed, she was furious and distanced herself from him, which is why day and night are forever separated.
This myth not only explains the natural phenomenon of day and night but also illustrates themes of purity, respect, and the consequences of violating social norms. Tsukuyomi’s reaction to Ukemochi’s method of creating food can be seen as a commentary on the importance of cleanliness and propriety in Japanese culture.
Worship and Cultural Significance
Shrines and Festivals
Despite being one of the primary deities, Tsukuyomi does not have as many dedicated shrines as his sister Amaterasu or his brother Susanoo. However, he is still venerated in various Shinto shrines across Japan. One notable shrine is the Matsunoo Taisha in Kyoto, where Tsukuyomi is honored alongside other deities.
Tsukuyomi is also celebrated in various festivals and rituals, particularly those related to agriculture and the lunar calendar. The moon phases were crucial for farming communities in Japan, and Tsukuyomi’s influence was invoked to ensure bountiful harvests and protection from natural disasters.
Influence on Japanese Culture
The moon, under Tsukuyomi’s dominion, has had a profound influence on Japanese literature, art, and folklore. The moon often symbolizes beauty, mystery, and the passage of time in classical Japanese poetry (waka) and haiku. Tsukuyomi’s presence is felt in the aesthetic appreciation of the moon, known as “tsukimi” (moon viewing), a tradition that involves celebrating the beauty of the full moon, particularly during the Mid-Autumn Festival.
Comparative Mythology
When comparing Tsukuyomi to moon deities in other cultures, several interesting parallels and contrasts emerge. In Greek mythology, Selene is the goddess of the moon, often depicted as a beautiful woman driving a chariot across the night sky. In Hindu mythology, Chandra is the moon god, associated with the soma plant and elixirs of immortality. Unlike these deities, Tsukuyomi’s narratives are more intertwined with themes of conflict and estrangement, reflecting the complex nature of Shinto cosmology.
Symbolism and Modern Interpretations
Symbolism in Shinto
In Shinto beliefs, Tsukuyomi represents the cyclical nature of time and the balance between light and dark. His estrangement from Amaterasu symbolizes the separation between day and night, a fundamental aspect of the natural world. Tsukuyomi’s story also underscores the importance of harmony and the consequences of actions that disrupt societal norms.
Modern Interpretations
In contemporary Japan, Tsukuyomi has been reinterpreted and reimagined in various media, including literature, manga, anime, and video games. These modern depictions often explore his enigmatic and aloof nature, sometimes portraying him as a tragic figure burdened by his actions and the eternal separation from his sister.
Tsukuyomi in Pop Culture
Anime and Manga
Tsukuyomi has appeared in numerous anime and manga series, often depicted as a mysterious and powerful figure. For instance, in the popular anime “Naruto,” the character Itachi Uchiha uses a powerful genjutsu called Tsukuyomi, which traps his opponents in an illusionary world controlled by the moon. This portrayal aligns with Tsukuyomi’s association with the moon and the themes of control and estrangement.
Video Games
In video games, Tsukuyomi often appears as a character or a symbol. In the “Shin Megami Tensei” series, Tsukuyomi is a summonable deity with lunar powers. Similarly, in “Smite,” a multiplayer online battle arena game, Tsukuyomi is a playable character, depicted as a fierce warrior with moon-based abilities.