The god Inari is considered to be the harvest and agriculture god; "Inari," which is spelled "稲荷" in Chinese characters (with "稲" meaning rice-plants and "荷" baggage), may express a sense of gratitude to Nature for making them grow to the point where farmers can reap them and hang them like baggage ("荷") to dry for harvest.
本来穀物・農業の神とされるが自然の生育に任せ収穫した稲を荷のように架けて乾燥させるまでに生長し、その後は人手で処理できるまでに至ったことの感謝を表しているとも考えられる。