明神 · みょうじん · kami_concepts

myōjin

Honorific for various types of kami.

Definition

'Myōjin' serves as an honorific title applied to numerous kami, reflecting the deep respect and veneration afforded to these divine entities. Used often in the naming of shrines, myōjin signifies a kami's elevated status and a connection to both local significance and broader cultural heritage. It highlights the diversity of kami worship practices and the differentiated roles that individual deities play within Shinto.

Etymology

'Myō' translates as 'bright' or 'clear,' and 'jin' means deity, forming a title that denotes elevated divine status.