Word: goddesses
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Another saint whose representations far outnumber the images of Shakyamuni is Avalokiteshvara. He has developed into one of the most important divinities among northern Buddhists and is regarded as the god (or goddess) of mercy, seafarers, as the bestower of children, etc., by many millions of believing Tibetans, Chinese and Japanese...
...first event of the last series of pageants consisted in "pleasing" the sun goddess Amatersu Omikami (divine ancestress of the Emperor) by playing to her primeval and mystic music which lasted through the night. Then with elaborate ceremony the Son of Heaven offered boiled rice and strong drink to the Sun Goddess, partaking with her of the food and Sake. On succeeding days three grand banquets were held at which five of the most noble ladies of Japan performed symbolic ritual dances which each Tenno gazes upon once. Followed an imperial pilgrimage by Emperor Hirohito and Empress Nagako...
...round the courtyard, spectators stiffened to immobility. Slowly the slender, spectacled Tenno paced up the steps of the Takamikura and sat down in his black lacquer chair. Pompously the Lord Chamberlain placed upon stands adjoining the Throne, the sacred Sword and Jewel, emblems and relics of the Sun Goddess, which, together with the Divine Mirror, attest the utter sanctity of the enthronement. Then a plain wooden baton was presented to the Tenno - "The Scepter...
Although the "Enthronement" was now complete - insofar as Occidentals understand that idea - there would be several more days of pomp, during which the Tenno would personally inform the Sun Goddess what had occurred and offer her with filial piety the sacred rice (boiled). Finally, with hearts uplifted and pure, Emperor and Empress will participate in three joyous Grand Banquets, visit the Shrines of the Imperial Ancestors, and lastly open the national Chrysanthemum Party, gayest fête of the Japanese year...
Sacred Lunatic easily acquired a sufficient smattering of Rampolese, quickly learned to relish succulent human meat. The Islanders prided themselves that they were not cannibalistic, but merely appreciative of the "gifts of the goddess"-bodies of criminals. Moral standards were unusually high, for the monotonous fish-diet made every man the more eager to detect a gustable neighbor's mortal infringement...