How did Nanai shamans assist during birth and death rituals?

Created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

Mudang in South Korea — Shamanism Korean shamans, or *mudang*, performing a ritual dance in South Korea.

Among the Nanai (Golds) of the Amur region, shamans play a vital role in assisting during the significant life passages of birth and death.1

Birth Rituals

If a woman is unable to conceive, it is believed that the shaman can ascend to heaven to secure an embryo soul, known as an omija, from the tree of embryos (omija muoni), which is then sent to the woman.1

Death Rituals

When a death occurs, the shaman acts as a psychopomp, a guide who assists the deceased in their transition to the afterlife. The shaman is considered necessary to locate the soul of the deceased as it floats within the universe, catch it, and escort it to the Yonder World.1