氏神
Meanings
1
tutelary deity; guardian god; local Shinto deity
In Shinto, the protective deity of a specific clan, family, or local area. Often enshrined in a local shrine and worshipped as the community's guardian.
At New Year's, we go to worship at the local tutelary shrine.
It is said that the guardian deity of this area has protected the village since ancient times.
Usage patterns
- 〈人〉が氏神を祀るto enshrine/worship one's tutelary deity
This village has a small shrine where the tutelary deity is worshipped.
- 氏神様にお参りするto visit/pray at the shrine of one's tutelary deity
It's a custom to visit the local tutelary deity's shrine on New Year's Day.
- 氏神の祭りthe festival of the tutelary deity
The tutelary deity's festival is held every autumn.