KOMORI

Bat

Bats are surrounded by a realm of positive symbolism, representing good luck, prosperity, and happiness. They are seen as celestial messengers, carrying blessings from the divine realm to those they encounter. However, very old bats can transform into nobusuma, spirit animals resembling flying squirrels that land on their victims’ faces at night to feed off blood. Indigenous Ainu people in Japan worshipped the crafty and wise bat god Kappa kamui, who kept away demons and diseases.

Text from asianjournalusa.com/the-symbolic-meaning-of-bats-in-japanese-culture

Tsukioka Yoshitoshi, Kōmori no godan, 1880–1883

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