noun
visitor from afar; rare guest
Refers to a visitor who comes from a distant place, often with a sense of rarity or specialness. Related to the older word まろうど.
See also: まろうど
島にまれびとが訪れるのは年に一度だけだ。
A visitor from afar comes to the island only once a year.
村では、まれびとを歓迎する祭りが開かれた。
In the village, a festival was held to welcome the rare guest.
noun
divine visitor; spirit bringing blessings
In folklore and Shinto contexts, a spirit or deity that visits from the other world, bringing good fortune, fertility, or blessings. Often associated with traditional rituals and festivals.
まれびとは、海の向こうから来訪する神と信じられていた。
The marebito was believed to be a deity visiting from across the sea.
民俗学では、まれびと信仰が日本の基層文化の一つ
In folklore studies, marebito belief is considered one of the foundational cultures of Japan.
Derived from まれ (rare) + ひと (person), with the second element voiced to びと. The older form まろうど is a contraction of まれひと. The word has deep roots in Japanese folklore, referring to visiting spirits or deities.