It's also found on Soh's choker? And her arm. (It's present on villagers, too.)
In Phantom Paths, Yoshiro's pattern is underfoot the two, possibly representing the Maiden as the foundation for both.
Phantom Paths is possibly inspired by this:
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| Red and White Plum Blossoms |
The Maiden is the one holding impurity(after purging the mountain) and the Goddess's continuous merging with her is what causes Cursed Soh.
If you look at the inspired art and incorporate it into the idea, both Cursed Soh and Soh are 'blossoms', a result from merging with Yoshiro. Continuous merging through cycles eventually defiled the Goddess, turning her into Cursed Soh. Same method, different outcome.
Blossoms are also used to describe Maidens. A blossom is a flower that usually blooms alone. Cherry blossoms are associated with the Goddess and usually bloom in clusters.
(Yoshiro's plaque says a single flower doesn't hesitate to bend to the wind. Is her fragility linked to her solitude we witness in-game?)
(Yoshiro's plaque says a single flower doesn't hesitate to bend to the wind. Is her fragility linked to her solitude we witness in-game?)
Soh is the previous Maiden who's fused with the descended Goddess.
Cursed Soh is the previous Maiden fused with the descended Goddess but due to the impurity from several previous Maidens, the Goddess herself has become defiled, creating Cursed Soh.
The black river with the gold pattern separating the blossoms(Cursed Soh and Soh) can be see as the impurity from Yoshiro. If these trees receive nourishment from the river deep underground...the Goddess, through Soh, is steadily being cursed by merging with Maidens.