Goddess Okame

"Okame's themes are luck and kindness. Her symbols are masks and good-luck charms. In Japanese art, Okame is portrayed as simple and somewhat homely, yet Her domain is the beautiful energy of good fortune and kind acts. In this form, Okame gently reminds us that true beauty really does come from within. Local lore claims that any area that bears a mask of Okame's likeness is blessed with Her lucky nature.

Late in November, just preceding the new year in Japan, this is a day for rituals to improve one's wealth and luck. Following the Japanese tradition, begin by finding any lawn rake (or broom), and attach as many personal good-luck charms to it as you can find. Take this token clockwise around your home, raking or brooming inward, to gather up Okame's fortunate energies. As you go through your house, add verbal incantations like the following:

'[In the kitchen] Okame, in my kitchen shine

so that good luck will be mine!

[Dining Room] Okame, at this table where we eat

let good fortune take a seat!

[Living room] In this room where people lounge

let your fortuity come around!

[Bathroom] Clean negativity and problems away

let good luck start today!'

To encourage Okame's serendipity even further, you can burn orange, rose, heather, violet, or allspice incense or potpourri as you go."

("Patricia Telesco, "365 Goddess: a daily guide to the magic and inspiration "of the goddess".")

In one of his blog entries, Kurt Bell explains: "Okame, also known as Uzume or Otafuku is the name for the female half of a traditional Japanese Kyogen theatre pair. She is considered to be the Goddess of mirth and is frequently seen in Japanese art. Her full cheeks and merry eyes are an unforgettable sight and a delight to behold. Some Japanese scholars theorize that long ago, when the first Okame images were created, they may have represented an idealized form of feminine beauty. Styles and tastes are subject to change, and the ancient Japanese might be surprised to learn that the name Okame is today sometimes used as a less-than-appreciated joking taunt by Japanese husbands and boyfriends who haven't yet learned better. In contrast, a famous and contemporary Japanese Kyogen actor once commented that the countenance of Okame is what every man hopes his bride will look like on his wedding night."

SOURCES:

Bell, Kurt. "Softypapa.wordpress.com", "Japan Farm Scarecrow - Okame Goddess of Mirth".

SUGGESTED LINKS:

"Greenshinto.com", "Otafuku and Uzume"

"Wikipedia", "Ame-no-Uzume-no-Mikoto".