Thread by @robkajiwara

THREAD:

Intro to Ryukyu spirituality

Spirituality is the foundation on which the rest of Ryukyu society is built. It is so deeply ingrained in Ryukyuan culture that it permeates virtually every aspect of society. The lines between the spiritual & the secular are often blurred.

For Ryukyu, spirituality is the domain of women. Men are not allowed to be spiritual leaders, except in the absence of a capable woman (rare). Thus normally it would not be appropriate for me to be teaching about Ryukyu spirituality, but in this case it's ok. I will try my best.

If I were female I would have been trained from a young age in Ryukyuan spirituality. But because I'm male it is not appropriate for me to receive formal training in this. Nevertheless, my female relatives have informally taught me things from time to time.

Long ago the first Ryukyuan, Amaminchu, descended upon the Ryukyu Island of Kudaka, along with her husband Shinirinchu. They are the parents of all Ryukyuans. For this reason Kudaka is the most sacred island in all Ryukyu. Ryukyuans often make pilgrimages to Kudaka.

Amaminchu assigned roles to her children & grandchildren, with the boys being assigned to oversee Ryukyu's secular society, and the girls being assigned to oversee Ryukyu's spiritual leadership, becoming the first Nuru (J: Noro), or priestesses of Ryukyu.

There are actually two different types of priestesses in Ryukyu: Nuru (who oversee the socio-political-spiritual aspects of Ryukyu) and Yuta (communal spiritual leaders who oversee the day-to-day needs of their families, villages, etc.)

Utaki are sacred groves that can be found all over Ryukyu. They are alters where people pray, give thanks, and ask for safety for themselves, their loved ones, families, etc. Utaki come in various sizes and shapes, some smaller and more simple, some larger and more elaborate.

The most sacred Utaki in all of Ryukyu is Sefa Utaki, located in the Southeastern tip of Uchinaa (Okinawa) Island. Amaminchu descended here from Kudaka Island, becoming the first person to step foot on Uchinaa. It is a natural rock formation w/ a direct view of Kudaka.

Virtually every property in Ryukyu has at least one sacred alter (sometimes more). This includes parks, homes, businesses, government buildings, etc. Usually there are alters both indoors and outdoors. Incense, prayers, and other offerings are made here to honor Heaven.

Kami are spiritual beings. Some are divine, others are the spirits of those who have already passed to the after life. Remembering & honoring Kami is an essential part of daily life for Ryukyuans, particularly women.

The prayers of women have the power to protect their male loved ones while they are out at sea, working, etc.

There are different ceremonies & prayers for virtually anything you can think of.

Eisaa is a popular form of spiritual dance, usually (but not always) performed by young people. The dances are done in honor of our ancestors. There are 3 basic different types of Eisaa: Usudeeku (the oldest), Traditional, and Modern/Creative.

Chinmamun = "Heaven's Lord and Protector," "The God of Ryukyu."

The Chifijin (The Highest Nuru [Priestess]of Ryukyu) oversees worship to Chinmamun, as well as spiritual leadership for the country in general.

Although women are the spiritual leaders of society while men are the secular leaders, because spirituality permeates every fabric of Ryukyu society, it provides women power over virtually all of Ryukyu.

In one famous instance demonstrating the power of women, the Chifijin (High Priestess) ordered the King of Ryukyu to step down in favor of someone else. The King obeyed, and the new King, Sho Shin, ended up being perhaps the greatest leader in Ryukyu history.

Hajichi are traditional Ryukyuan tattoos on the backs of the hands of women. Hajichi are sacred, containing genealogies. Only women are allowed to get them, for they hold much spiritual power.

Do not get hajichi if you are not Ryukyuan, for doing so will be inviting a curse onto yourself. The exception is if you are married to a Ryukyuan, in which case it is ok, but it comes with great responsibility. You must learn the proper prayers, rituals, etc.

After Japan invaded in 1879 they felt very threatened by the powerful Ryukyuan women. So they tried to ban both Nuru (J: Noro) and Yuta. They were unsuccessful with both. Yuta are still prevalent throughout Ryukyu. Nuru are also somewhat prevalent.

Japan also banned hajichi in an attempt to get rid of the power of Ryukyuan women, although it is starting to make a comeback.

Japan tried to get rid of Utaki, turning them into "Shinto shrines." This was immensely unpopular among Ryukyuans, and the attempt failed. Both the U.S. and Japan have destroyed some Utaki in order to build military bases, etc., which has cursed both countries.

Americans and Japanese (especially scholars) have tried to write about Ryukyuan spirituality for their own personal profit. Never trust anything about Ryukyu written by Americans or Japanese. Chances are it contains numerous errors.