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 prefixed to the name of the second of each of these pairs, and each pair counts as one generation, making, with the two single gods previously named, the seven Generations of the Divine period (kami-yo nana-yo). The title kami is given to each, but I have omitted it to save space, as I shall continue to do henceforth in the case of all other gods. Uhi-jini signifies ‘first mud,’ Su-hiji, ‘sand and mud.’ The names of the next pair are said to be derived from tsumu, a germ in which the hands and feet, head and tail are yet undistinguishable, guhi, the same as kumu, to integrate, and Iku which signifies the commencement of life, and is the same as ikiru, to breathe. The names of the next pair are interpreted to mean ‘man and woman of the great place,’ pointing to the fact that solid land was formed. Omo-daru is ‘complete perfection,’ and Aya-kashiko-ne is ‘awful one,’ aya being an ejaculation of awe (from which come ayashi, strange and ayaushi, perilous), and kashiko, an adjectival root meaning awful. The name of the female is said to express the sentiment which filled her when she looked at the male. Iza in the names of the last pair is supposed to be the radical of izanau, to invite, and to allude to their invitation to each other to join in begetting the earth; gi and mi are the same as in Kamurogi and Kamuromi, the titles already mentioned as being given to the creator and creatrix. It appears from these etymologies that a gradual progress in development is here indicated, and Hirata suggests that the first four pairs are not distinct deities, but merely names descriptive of the various stages through which Izanagi and Izanami passed before arriving at the perfection of existence. As it seems certain that they were never worshipped in any known period history, this theory is accepted by many Shintôists of the present day.

The globe called Yomi is identified by both Hatori and Hirata with Yomotsu-kuni or Yomi no kuni, the region whither Izanami betakes herself after the birth of Ho-musubi, the god of fire. Other names for it are