Stuart's Daily Word Spot: Ebisu

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Ebisu: this is another ofmy occasional reminders that there are many different gods worshipped on thisstrange but wonderful planet we inhabit. Ebisu is a Japanese god in the Shintotradition. A fat and smiling deity with a beard, he is generally depicted witha fishing rod in one hand and sea bream in the other. He's considered a god ofluck and has been worshipped since ancient times, especially by fishermen. Morerecently, he's become associated with profit and his picture adorns the manycommercial premises. Because he's deaf, apparently, he doesn't join the rest ofthe gods for the October festival held at Izumo, which seems to be anotherinstance of the peculiar prejudices surrounding so many religious figures.