氏神

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 氏神 is read as うじがみ and means a local guardian deity.
• Basic usage: It can be the deity to whom villagers pray for a good harvest or the deity honored in a local ceremony.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Praying for a good harvest
  • 氏神へ豊作を祈る means praying to the local guardian deity for a good harvest. Example: 村人は祭りの日に氏神へ豊作を祈りました。
• Honoring the deity in a ceremony
  • 氏神を祭る行事 is a ceremony honoring the local guardian deity. Example: 資料館で氏神を祭る行事の古い写真を見ました。