1.3.5 The “Acting” Role of the Caretaker Gods#

In modern workplace parlance, when the Boss (the primary deity) goes on a business trip, a deputy must step in to fill the “Acting” role. During the Month of the Gods, while the primary deities of each region travel to Izumo, the Rusugami (Caretaker Gods) take over their duties. The most quintessential representative of these is Ebisu.

Ebisu primarily governs business prosperity and bountiful catches in fisheries. Due to the specialized and demanding nature of his work, he typically does not participate in the solemn conferences at Izumo. Consequently, many regions hold “Ebisu-ko” festivals (a precursor to the Toka Ebisu) during this time to thank him for his hard work while the other gods are absent—after all, being “Acting” is never an easy gig.

In ancient times, Japanese people would exercise great caution during the “Month Without Gods” (Kannazuki). Major life events like weddings or groundbreaking ceremonies were largely avoided, for fear that with the primary gods away, one might not receive immediate blessings. While modern youth may no longer be bound by such taboos, this reverence for the “absence” of the divine remains woven into the very fabric of the culture.