Basic Terms of Shinto 神道基本用語集

詳細表示 (Complete Article)

Title
Ame-tsuchi,"Amatsukami, kunitsukami"
天地,天つ神、国つ神
Text Heaven and earth. A Shinto myth explains that at the time of the creation, light, pure elements branched off to become heaven (ame), while heavy, turbid elements branched off to become earth (tsuchi). Ame became the home of the amatsukami or gods of heaven, while tsuchi became the home of the kunitsukami or gods of the land. The amatsukami are said to have descended from heaven to pacify and perfect this world.