Bird Cults Of The Ainu Of Japan (Folklore History Series)

By Batchelor John

Bird cults have existed in almost every culture from the ancient Egyptians to the Polynesians of Easter Island. This book looks at one of the worlds least known but most fascinating cultures, the Ainu people of Japan. Many of the earliest books, particularly those dating back to the 1900's and before, are now extremely scarce and increasingly expensive. We are republishing these classic works in affordable, high quality, modern editions, using the original text and artwork.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Read Books Ltd.
• Release date: Jan 8, 2013
• ISBN: 9781447482024

Book preview

THE EAGLE OWL.

General remarks—The eagle owl—Names—Owls assisting hunters—Owls as mediators—Ornitholatry—Legend of the eagle owl.

THERE have been very few nations in the world which have not had their bird cultus, some more, some less developed. The Egyptians of old held the ibex sacred, called him ‘Father John’ and worshipped him. When he died they made a mummy of him, and they considered it a crime worthy to be punished with death to kill him. The peculiar ideas they entertained about the phœnix, as to its birth and longevity, for example, will also be remembered. The owl and the raven have both been regarded as birds of evil omen by widely distributed nations, while the stork is held in great esteem by the Japanese. The tale of the Jackdaw of Rheims will not be forgotten, and all will remember how the little robin redbreast is dearly beloved by the children of Old England. I very much doubt, however whether any nations have ever had so much to say about the feathered tribe by way of cult and folk-lore as the Ainu. They appear to have something to say about almost every kind of bird which comes under their notice, from the little wren up to the great eagle, and from the bird of paradise down to the common house sparrow. According to their way of thinking, there are birds which rightly belong to heaven above, birds which may only dwell on the earth below, and birds which have their proper home in Hades under the earth. There are divine birds and demon birds, birds good, birds bad, and birds indifferent. One kind of bird is supposed to be a good gardener (the cuckoo to wit). Another kind a clever boat-builder (the woodpecker for example), and yet others (the snipe and also the albatross) splendid physicians. The author proposes to treat of this subject in the present and three following chapters, therein giving what he has so far been able to collect from the people regarding the feathered tribe. Some of the matter will be found to be altogether unique, and much quite absurd, while all, it is hoped, will be found to be interesting.

An Ainu, speaking to me about birds, told me of certain taboos regarding their cry. He said:—‘There are five special birds whose cry should not be imitated by anyone. They are the cuckoo, woodpecker, nighthawk, goatsucker, and owl. These birds have power to bewitch people by means of their cry, and sometimes do so. Their cry ought therefore not to be imitated. To do so, indeed, would be a direct calling in of misfortune. But the eagle owl is a deity. To imitate his cry would therefore be rank blasphemy. Nor should one imitate the cry of any unknown bird. Strange birds are often sent by the devil, and carry the seeds of disease hither and thither. For these reasons one should exercise care in all these respects. So taught the ancients.’

EAGLE OWL.

The Ainu give this bird as many as five different names, each of which has a particular meaning, and which in its degree tends to show the very special regard in which it is held by them. Among the whole Strix family the owl holds the chief place in their minds, and in their bird cult is accordingly treated with the greatest esteem and care. There is, indeed, another kind of owl which is looked upon with suspicion, distrust, and fear, and which, because considered to be a bird both causing and forerunning misfortune, is very much hated, and called a demon by