Amaterasu-o-mi-kami, the Shinto sun goddess is celebrated in Japan on this day each year, notably by means of processions and offerings. According to traditional belief, Amaterasu continues to provide light and warmth to the world by day, although there was once a winter solstice crisis when, upset by her storm-god brother, Susanowo, she retreated into a cave, plunging the world into darkness. A convocation of eight hundred deities gathered outside the cave. They decided to try to lure her out with a magnificent celebration. Upon hearing the loud commentaries about an erotic dance being performed by the crone Goddess Ame No Uzume, Amaterasu could no longer contain her curiosity. She had to see what all the hoopla was about. As she was walking out of the cave, the gods reflected her brilliant light in a large mirror. The beauty of her own light enticed Amaterasu back into the world where she has remained ever since. Her image, the Rising Sun, is emblazoned on the flag of Japan. She is said to have taught the Japanese people how to cultivate rice fields and silkworms and how to weave. She is also considered the divine ancestress of the Japanese emperor.