kiinushii

nature_spirit forest single tradition · 1

Kiinushii are tree spirits on Okinawa Island. Whenever a tree is cut down, one would first pray to kiinushii and then cut it. When there is an echoing noise of what sounds like a fallen tree at the dead of night, even though there are no actual fallen trees, it is said to be the anguishing voice of kiinushii and it is said that in times like these, the tree would then wither several days later.

When

Attested period
1900 – 2020
Historical notes
Beliefs are still present in modern times.

Relationships

syncretized with
kijimuna

Expand to full subgraph →

Sources

wikipedia (1)

Source passages

“On Okinawa Island, tree spirits are called "kiinushii" and whenever a tree is cut down, one would first pray to kiinushii and then cut it. Also, when there is an echoing noise of what sounds like a fallen tree at the dead of night, even though there are no actual fallen trees, it is said to be the anguishing voice of kiinushii”

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