Name Meaning
Ameonna (雨女) is a spirit or yokai depicted as a mysterious woman associated with rainfall. Often seen appearing during storms or gloomy weather, she is said to bring rain wherever she goes—sometimes considered a blessing, sometimes a curse.
- Ame (雨) = Rain
- Onna (女) = Woman → “Rain Woman”
Origin
- First cataloged in Edo-period yokai collections, such as those by Toriyama Sekien.
- May have connections to Shinto rain spirits or deities that control the weather.
Appearance
- A beautiful but ghostly woman dressed in a wet kimono.
- Often depicted standing quietly under dripping rain with soaked hair clinging to her face.
- Sometimes carries an umbrella or simply walks barefoot through puddles.
Behavior & Interpretations
- Brings rain to drought-stricken lands—or unwanted downpours during celebrations.
- Sometimes viewed as a lonely or wandering ghost who cries through the rain.
- In modern culture, the term “ameonna” is jokingly used for someone who always brings bad weather.
Symbolism
- Symbolizes renewal, sadness, and unpredictability of nature.
- Embodies the duality of water—nurturing yet disruptive.
- Reflects traditional Japanese views on the emotional power of weather.
