Anna Lee, Jason Lewis, Nahya Pelito, Sora Shojae |
Women's Roles
Amaterasu greatly impacted women’s roles in ancient Japanese society. The female deity was viewed as being the epitome of intelligence, grace, feminine beauty, and purity. This combined with her role as the main deity in Shinto influenced how Japanese society viewed a woman's role (Silva-Grondin).
Clans were headed by women, family structure was matriarchal, and in addition women could own property. Women were also encouraged to rule in Japan as it was believed they could bring peace and regulate their empire (Fisher). For example, the empress Pimiko (or Himiko) ruled Japan in the 3rd century. She was so prominent and loved that when she passed, her female descendant, Iyo, was encouraged to take the throne (Silva-Grondin).
Dr. Joyce Lebra from Radcliffe College commented, “From the depictions of female deities in the myths and the numerous women rulers…it can be assumed that the status of women was similar to that of men” (Silva-Grondin). Education was also a major factor for women. Most women were expected to know a musical instrument, memorize poetry, and be able to speak in verse.
Women also held a prominent role in religious ceremony. Japanese miko were female shamans that were called upon to communicate with deities. According to the Kojiki, one instance occurred where the emperor called upon the empress to predict the outcome of a battle. The emperor did not believe the deity and later died. This instance implies that female shamans also had very high social positions (Fridman, Walter).
Because Amaterasu was such a highly regarded female deity, it caused women in Japanese society to be held in similar regard as men. Amaterasu influenced Japan’s societal rules greatly, impacting a woman’s role in a positive manner.