What does "tennyo" mean?
Tennyo are creatures from Japanese folklore.  Resembling in some ways angels or goddesses, these female creatures lived in the heavens or celestial realm.  Sometimes they would descend to earth to enjoy the beauty of the natural world. They made their journey using the help of special garments called "hagoromo" or angelic robes, which allowed them to ascend and descend freely.  Encountered on earth, they resembled the most beautiful of human women.  Without the robe, the tennyo were unable to return to their homes in the heavens.

There are a number of versions of the legend.  Most feature the loss of the robe, leading to tragic, triumphant or complicated resolutions.  In some versions the tennyo falls in love with a human, and stores the robe away, willing to live her life among mortals.  In other versions, the maiden is tricked out of the robe, or has it stolen by a devious man who wishes to catch her and force her to marry and/or bear children.

Probably the most well known interpretation of the legend for audiences outside Japan comes from the wide translation and distribution of Watase Yuu's manga and the resulting anime series "Ayashi no Ceres," translated for American release as "Ceres Celestial Legend."

The Inspiration for the Ring
This ring was inspired by these legends, and the magic that they hold for modern women and girls.  The idea of being from a "better place" and being able to ascend out of harm's way in time of trouble is very appealing.  The divine nature of the creatures also touches the essence of the feminine in a deeply spiritual way.  The ring seeks to link together the web presences of those women and girls that share an appreciation for the offerings of japanese culture, whether it be in music, art, cuisine, literature, cinema, anime, heritage, horticulture, spirituality, etc.

Domains/collectivities/sites that join should have developed content about some aspect of japanese culture, and should be designed and maintained by females.