WHAT IS GOD?
God is the holy spirit in belief of each people.
Each god have a different power
to control and protect a good human.
GODS AND CULTURE
Many gods have origins in culture and ceremonies.
People tried to do things for gods.
Sometimes, people wanted gods to do things for them.
So, they made ceremonies.
Even now, some people believe that gods are everywhere,
in everything around us--for example, in cars, in trees . . .
For this reason, these people respect and take care of
even everyday things.
JAPANESE GODS
─────KAMI─────
──────────Ebisu──────────
Ebisu is a male god of development. Of all the gods listed here, he is the only god who is originally from Japan. He has a fishing robe and a red snapper. In Japan, some people believe this god helps success in business.
──────────Daikokuten──────────
Daikokuten is a male god of wealth, originally from India. He has a magic mallet in right hand and a big sack on his back. In Japan, some people believe he helps grain grow.
──────────Bishamonten──────────
Bishamonten is a male god of success, originally from India. He looks like a warrior. In Japan, some people believe he provides protection from sickness and misfortune.
──────────Benzaiten──────────
Benzaiten is a female god of beauty, originally from India. She is the only female of the Seven Gods. She has a "biwa." A biwa is an instrument that looks like a guitar. In Japan, some people believe she helps people with knowledge, music and riches.
──────────Fukurokuju──────────
Fukurokuju is a male god of happiness, originally from China. He has a long head, a long beard and big earlobes. In Japan, some people believe he provides happiness and long life. He is similar to Juroujin.
──────────Juroujin──────────
Juroujin is a male god of health, originally from China. He has a long staff and a rolled book. In Japan people know this god who provide long life and not falling sickness. He is similar to Fukurokuju.
──────────Hotei──────────
Hotei is a male god of cleverness, originally from China. He is always smiling, and has a big pack. In Japan, some people believe he brings joy and happiness.
THAI GODS
───TEP───
──────────Thoranee──────────
Thoranee is a female god, originally from India. She has really long hair that can absorb water, like the land absorbs rain. In Thailand, some people believe she is related to land, property and a stable life.
──────────Kongka──────────
Kongka is a female god of water, originally from India. She is a god of rivers, often seen standing on a crocodile. In Thailand, some people believe she brings calm and peace.
──────────Phirun──────────
Phirun is a male god of wind, storms and rain, originally from India. He can travel anywhere with his "Naga." In Thailand, some people believe he is related to agriculture, and also success.
──────────Plueng──────────
Plueng is a female god of fire, originally from India. She carries a torch. In Thailand, some people believe she is related to wisdom and creation.
──────────Phosop──────────
Phosop is a female god of rice, originally from Southeast Asia. She is a spirit who is present in every rice field. Rice is the main food in Southeast Asia. In Thailand, some people believe she brings good harvests and wealth.
──────────Mae Ya Nang──────────
Maeyanang is a spirit of travel. She is originally from Thailand. Many Thai people believe she travels in every vehicle. People put a piece of rainbow cloth on the top part of vehicles. Believe in Maeyanang make people drive carefully an respect their vehicles.
──────────Ruk Ka Te Va Da──────────
Rukkatevada is a tree spirit, originally from Southeast Asia. These spirits appear in big trees, as as a long rainbow cloth wrapped over the tree. People who believe in these spirits respect nature and don't cut down trees.
