祟り神 · たたりがみ · kami_concepts

tatarigami

Curse-kami that brings misfortune.

Definition

'Tatarigami' denotes those kami that are believed to cause curses or misfortune, often arising from unresolved grievances or anger at the living. They are often invoked during rituals designed to appease the spirit and transform its negative influence. Understanding tatarigami highlights the Shinto values of balance between natural order and human actions, emphasizing the necessity of reconciliation with the divine.

Etymology

The term combines 'tatari,' meaning curse or calamity, with 'kami,' thus creating a term for kami that bring misfortune.