Name Meaning
Tsurara-onna (氷柱女) translates to "icicle woman," describing her wintry origins and icy appearance.
- Tsurara (氷柱) = Icicle
- Onna (女) = Woman
Origin
- Believed to be born from the spiritual essence of an icicle during harsh winter nights.
- Folktales often mention her appearing in regions with heavy snowfall.
Appearance
- Appears as a pale, beautiful woman with long black hair.
- Sometimes described as wearing a kimono of shimmering frost.
- Melts away or vanishes as the temperature warms.
Behavior & Myths
- May fall in love with a man, especially one who sees her first.
- Can be gentle or deadly depending on the version—some tales end in tragedy.
- May melt away in spring or disappear if her identity is questioned.
Symbolism
- Represents fleeting beauty and the sadness of winter parting.
- Serves as a caution about being enchanted by surface appearances.
- Sometimes seen as a counterpart to the snow woman (Yuki-onna).
