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Sju-Go-Zin

Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature

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is a subordinate or adjunct deity of the Japanese mythology, who, in the form of a fox, accompanies the moon god in his travels. He was highly venerated, but even more greatly feared. His form, however, was changed, and he now enjoys the high regard of the people as a protector, though he sometimes appears as the attendant spirit of Inari as well. In the latter character he is honored in the form of a fox, and his image of clay is sold at the annual fairs which fall on the days of the Inari festival, to serve as the patron of the common people. It may be found in every house and in the little temples throughout the land. The belief is still common that the foxes assemble once a year in some unknown place where a flame bursting from the earth foretells the fruitfulness of the year.