Daikoku
Daikoku In Japanese Shinto-Buddhist mythology, god of wealth, portrayed as a short, stout man standing or sitting on two bales of rice, with a large wooden mallet in his right hand and a bag with a nonvegetable treasure slung over his left shoulder. The god’s “lucky mallet” is capable of bestowing wealth with one stroke. Daikoku is the guardian of farmers and is always good-natured and cheerful. He is one of the Shichi Fukujin, the seven gods of good luck or fortune.
Encyclopedia of World Mythology and Legend, Third Edition – Written by Anthony S. Mercatante & James R. Dow – Copyright © 2009 by Anthony S. Mercatante
Daikoku is the Great Darkness; The Great Blackness
Daikoku pounds out money with his golden mallet. He is the lord of wealth, food, and worldly success. Daikoku, guardian of the household, is the kami of good fortune and an abundant harvest. As Lord of the Kitchen, he is not only venerated in homes but is the special deity of chefs, cooks, restaurateurs, and those who serve in the food industry.
Daikoku is one of the Shichi Fukujin, the Seven Spirits of Good Fortune. He is associated with the Year of the Rat, guardian of those born in that year.
The very first Bank of Japan ten-yen note, issued in l885, featured an image of Daikoku and is known as a Daikoku satsu.
ALSO KNOWN AS:
Daikokuten; Daikoku-sama
ORIGIN:
Japan
CLASSIFICATION:
Kami
MANIFESTATION:
Daikoku is a big, friendly, smiling man.
ICONOGRAPHY:
Daikoku usually wears traditional Japanese robes and a black hat. He carries a loaded sack over his left shoulder and his mallet in his right hand. He is often portrayed seated atop bales of rice.
ATTRIBUTES:
A golden mallet, which he shakes in the direction of those he wishes to bless with luck and prosperity; a sack slung over his left shoulder
SPIRIT ALLIES:
He is venerated with Okuninushi and with Ebisu. He may be Ebisu’s father. Daikokuten is also venerated alongside Benten and Marishi as a triad of lucky spirits.
DAY:
Although he may be petitioned anytime, Kinoene Day, Elder Rat Day, usually celebrated 19 November, is the traditional time to petition Daikoku for good fortune.
ANIMALS:
Rats, mice
ALTAR:
Place his statue and/or altar in the kitchen.
OFFERINGS:
Mochi (sticky rice cakes); sake; incense
SEE ALSO:
SOURCE:
Encyclopedia of Spirits: The Ultimate Guide to the Magic of Fairies, Genies, Demons, Ghosts, Gods & Goddesses– Written by Judika Illes Copyright © 2009 by Judika Illes.
