The Yasakani no Magatama (八尺瓊曲玉 meaning "String of Jewels") is a sacred string of Magatama-shaped jewels (in some cases a single jewel instead) in Shintoism and one of the Three Imperial Sacred Treasures that was used in the enthronement ceremonies of a new Japanese emperor. It is a bead with religious significance and symbolizes good fortune such as prosperity or longevity[1], and is known for its ability to protect against evil.
Owners of Note[]
- Ame-no-Uzume - set up the string of jewels beside the Yata no Kagami
- Amaterasu - received jewels as offering upon her return from the cave
- Ninigi - received as one of the Three Imperial Treasures to pacify Japan
Origin[]
After a fierce argument with her brother Susano-o, Amaterasu hid inside the Ama-no-Iwato ("heavenly rock cave"), which hid the light and warmth of the sun from the world. Although many dieties tried to lure her out with many different methods, all failed until Ame-no-Uzume made an attempt. She gathered some of the objects that had been crafted by the other dieties during their attempts, including a bronze mirror and a piece of jade jewelry, which she hung from a tree in front of the cave, then overturned a tub and began dancing in front of the gathered dieties. Ame-no-Uzume was successful in luring Amaterasu out and convincing her (and the sun) to return.[2]
The string of jade jewels that was used during this mythological event is said to be the Yasakani no Magatama, which Amaterasu kept until it was given to her grandson Ninigi-no-Mikoto when he was sent to pacify Japan.
Modern Counterpart[]
The Yasakani no Magatama is said to still be stored at the Kashiko-dokoro (賢所), the central shrine of the Three Palace Sanctuaries at the Tokyo Imperial Palace, and is used in the enthronement ceremony of the Emperor of Japan.
References[]
- ↑ Information on Magatama shapes and brief history - https://www.onmarkproductions.com/html/magatama.html
- ↑ Traditional Japanese Arts And Culture: An Illustrated Sourcebook. University of Hawai'i Press. 2006. pp. 16–17. ISBN 978-0-8248-2878-3. http://books.google.com/books?id=I6iwdB4oi7IC&pg=PA17#v=onepage&q&f=false.