New Year kami; deity of the new year
A kami welcomed at the start of the year, often associated with prayers for a good harvest and family well-being. Part of traditional New Year observances.
See also: 神 (かみ)
goddess of lucky directions; directional deity
Also known as 歳徳神 (としとくじん), this aspect governs auspicious directions for the year. Often consulted for travel and building orientation.
See also: 歳徳神
We decorate with kadomatsu to welcome the New Year kami during the New Year season.
The directional deity is said to govern the lucky direction for the year.
General term for kami or deity; 年神 is a specific type of kami associated with the New Year.
Standard kanji spelling for the New Year kami.
Alternate kanji spelling; 歳 can also mean 'year' but is less common for this term.
Compound of 年 (とし, 'year') and 神 (かみ, 'kami'). The exact historical origin is uncertain, but it is deeply rooted in Japanese folk religion and New Year customs.