Symbolism 101

Akkorokamui is a gigantic octopus-looking creature in Shinto mythology. It is known to be volatile and has a tendency to wreak havoc when provoked. On the flip side however, it is capable of healing and blessing humans with wisdom. Its tentacles are its most feared feature due to its lethal grasp. Akkorokamui specializes in the art of healing and regrowth of limbs. It accepts offerings in the form of marine creatures in return. The color of its body is often associated with the hue of a sunset melting into the sea.

Amaterasu is the goddess of sun in Japanese spiritual culture. It is said that the imperial family was descended from her. She is regarded as divine and heavenly and represents purity and order. Amaterasu governs the world by providing it with sustenance and light. Being the embodiment of ultimate balance, she mediates the interaction between nature and us humans. One of the three main kami that originated from Izanagi's purification.

Botan a.k.a. the Peony is also called "The King of Flowers" and is associated with masculine qualities, courage, bountifulness, and good fortune. Though many cultures deem floral patterns to be a feminine quality, this does not apply to the popular pink blossom. It is mostly seen in imperial prints and male body art.

Dodomeki is said to be a female demon cursed with tiny bird eyes covering her long arms. This happened due her habit of stealing. As a punishment, she was turned into a monster. It made her regret her crimes and sins, therefore causing her to repent.

Eagle is used in many cultures to represent greatness and power. It is known for their ability to fly high and will often fly above the clouds to avoid the storm. In ancient Greece, it is used by Zeus as a messenger. It is believed to have to ability to protect people against evil or harm.

Hebi a.k.a. the snake is usually regarded as a symbol of physical or spiritual transformation as snakes would shed their skin. The change signifies a rebirth and serves as a good omen. It is sometimes used as a guardian of precious fortunes as snakes are well-known for their fangs and venom. But this lethal quality brings about good when used against pests.

Hu a.k.a. the tiger represents earthly strength and is said to repel the three disasters; fire, thieves, and ghosts. It embodies independence, bravery, stubbornness, and sympathy. Being a predator, tigers are seen as dangerous with a raging passion for vengeance.

Hou Ou a.k.a. the Asian phoenix is used as a symbol of royalty, especially an empress. It represents prosperity. They will descent to earth during times of peace and fleeing to the divine realm during periods of trial and tribulation. Hence, their sighting signifies peace and represents a new beginning as they resurface to welcome a new era. The colors of its feather represent the five elements; wood, fire, earth, metal, and water.

Kirin is said to be the purest and strongest animal in Japanese mythology. It is a gentle creature that can never hurt or ruin any beings of nature; even as far as avoiding grass with the fear of trampling it. Its rarity contributes to its beauty and elegance. Their sightings are said to bring about a noble and righteous ruler.

Kitsune a.k.a. the fox is said to have the ability to shapeshift and is known to use it to deceive humans. It has a cheeky, mischievous, and playful personality. This assumption of foxes being tricksters came about as a result of their superior power and intelligence. It gains power through years of experience and increases in the number of tails possessed as a result; maximum being nine. Essentially, they are foxes that has achieved enlightenment through aging.

Koi a.k.a. the carp is a symbol of perseverance and longevity. It is known for swimming against the water current or upstream. It represents good luck and achievement of detrimental goals. Just like the fish, it serves as an icon of overcoming hurdles to attain enlightenment. It embodies the strength needed to push through.

Komainu a.k.a. the lion-dog guardian is often found in pairs at the entrance to a place as watchdogs. They are said to ward evil presence. Each pair of the guardian has their own symbolism. The male is placed on the right with its mouth gaping to repel malice and the female is placed on the left with shut mouth to maintain prosperity.

Namakubi is represented by the severed head of a samurai and may be accompanied with other features such as weapons and blood splatters. It serves as a remembrance and honorable actions. The severed head is an homage to Seppuku, which involves self-inflicted death and ended with the beheadings of warriors. This symbolizes the sacrifice of the past, overcoming fear, celebrating courage, and respect of efforts and struggles.

Ouroboros is represented by a snake biting its own tail. It is a symbolism of an eternal cycle of renewal of life.

Ryu a.k.a. the dragon is widely used in Asian culture to show intelligence, strength, and fortune. Its power to control and bend elements has been said to benefit human. They are said adopt their appearance and personality based on the animals they interact with along their journey. Therefore, there is a wide variety of dragons; each with their own unique attribute.

Susanoo is the younger brother of Amaterasu and is one of the "Three Precious Child". He is the god of the sea and storm. He gains notoriety after slaying a monstrous serpent and helping locals with crops related affairs such as agriculture. Susanoo has also been regarded as a temperamental and chaotic deity as the result of his immense power and lack of control over his emotion.

Tsukuyomi is the brother and estranged husband of Amaterasu. He is the Japanese god of the moon and due to his separation with the sun goddess, he was set to chase after her across the sky. He represents order and beauty, though his means to achieve them are scorned by the rule of heaven. In an incident, he ended up killing another god and it turned his wife against him. Tsukuyomi is one of the "Three Precious Child" of Izanagi.

Tsuru a.k.a. the crane has a significant presence in Asian culture though it possessed a minor importance compared to other lore and myths. Cranes are associated with vitality, wisdom, fertility, blessings, loyalty, and long-life. These qualities are believed to bring happiness and as a result, it became a good luck charm.