The origin of tamagushi is said to be the description in Japanese Mythology mentioning that when Amaterasu Omikami (the Sun Goddess) hid in Ama no iwato Cave, Futodama (another god in Japanese Mythology) held Ihotsu no masakaki, a branch covered with foliage and decorated with balls and mirrors, reverently with both hands.
日本神話では、天照大神が天岩戸した際、玉や鏡などをつけた五百津真賢木（いほつのまさかき）をフトダマが捧げ持ったとの記述が、玉串の由来とされている。