Samshin Halmoni

Samshin Halmoni, the Birth Grandmother, is among Korea’s most powerful goddesses. Halmoni literally means “Grandmother,” but it’s also a term of reverence and respect. She is really the mother, not the grandmother, of three spirits. Her actual name Tang Kum Agassi means “Tang Dynasty Silk-Like Baby.” The Tang Dynasty ruled China from 618–907 CE; it’s theorized that the story dates from that time.

She was a shaman whose parents are described as “heavenly beings.” At age fifteen, while her parents and nine brothers were away, she was seduced by a monk who was, at least according to legend, an avatar of the historic Buddha. When her family returned home, they discovered that she was pregnant. Her brothers tried to kill her, but her mother stopped them. She was locked in a stone box and left to die of hunger and thirst,but her mother freed her. She gave birth to triplets, whom she raised in secret. Because she delivered three sons at once, despite terrible obstacles, the young girl was honoured as the Birth Grandmother. (In a society that values sons, this was perceived as an incredibly sacred feat.)

• Samshin Halmoni the Birth Grandmother is responsible for all births on Earth.

• She protects infants for the first hundred days after birth.

• Although she supervises all births, the Birth Grandmother takes special care of home births.

ATTRIBUTE:

Gourd dipper (ladle)

OFFERINGS:

She may be venerated anytime, but offerings are expected for the three consecutive days following birth: offer incense, candles, spring water, alcoholic beverages, and cooked meals, including seaweed soup and rice.

SEE ALSO:

• Buddha
• Korean Mythology

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.