Embedding Prayers in Cotton, Ramie, and Silk: The Symbolism of Textiles in Datsueba Worship

This paper explores the function and symbolism of cloth in rituals devoted to Datsueba, focusing in particular on types of fabric.The Japanese Buddhist folk deity Datsueba is well known as the ugly old woman who takes away clothes from the deceased by the Sanzu River, which people are supposed to cross after death.Cloth has long been associated with Datsueba since her earliest appearance in religious texts from the eleventh and twelfth centuries.In addition to her role of taking clothes of the deceased, some religious texts relate that Datsueba allows the deceased to keep their clothing if they make a cloth offering while living.Inspired by such narratives, the rituals and worship practices dedicated to her often involve fabric.The types of fabric utilized in such practices include cotton, ramie, and silk, which have contributed to developing diverse, multifaceted aspects of the deity.