Semamori means "to protect the back". The Japanese believe that if you dream about one or all of these symbols, it will bring you good fortune throughout the year. For the Japanese, Osechi is arguably the most important meal of the year. Another fukumame-related custom is eating beans equivalent to one’s age, plus one – an extra bean is to signify the hope to lengthen a year of living. It is believed that anyone who finishes making a string of cranes within a year will be granted with a wish or recovery from illness or injury. On this day, because bad luck is anticipated to come all day, it would be wise to avoid any important businesses such as weddings, moving house, opening a new shop,… and rescheduling them until the next day. Because of these beliefs, remedies and charms for warding off bad luck have evolved. Many Japanese superstitions come from old folk wisdom—night time is quiet time, and those who make noise will be targeted by the bad guys. There are good kitsune (zenko or myobu) that bring good luck and ward off evil spirits. Finally, we recommend the following articles: Hehehe, Japanese is much more unlucky and prone to die than to be happy and have a long life! It is unlucky to respond to a person who speaks while sleeping. Essentially, people want good luck, and multiple countries and cultures will regard certain items as charms that will bring good fortune to those who possess them. Animals also play a big role in Chinese superstitions. … It seems that both good luck and bad luck superstitions have been around since ancient man. Here, the white snake appears to be her messenger. They are thought to bring good weather if you hang them upright at night. Stretch your foot further and avoid this spot! ⭐ Japan is a country full of superstitions, there are thousands, and the Japanese take them very seriously. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Perhaps the most common example is the black cat crossing one’s path (although whether this is good or bad luck depends where you’re from and what period of history you’re living in). 3. Because the kanji’s literal meaning is “fail if hurry”, you should be patient and start to defer urgent business or resolve disputes in later in the day. Kitsune is the Japanese word for “fox,” and in Japanese folklore, foxes are believed to posses supernatural abilities. Senbazuru is also traditionally given as a wedding present because it is a wish for a thousand years of happiness and prosperity for the couple. But there is more to its mysterious name: the calendar is actually a guide to know whether a day is lucky or unlucky. Japan has traditionally been an agricultural country, so knowing the change of the seasons and understanding the weather have always been very important in order to predict the harvest bounty. If you live in Japan long enough, you will know that among the common four seasons in Japan, there is also a specific “fifth season” that brings anxiety to the Japanese – rainy season. With your new-found knowledge of lucky days, lucky symbols and lucky food in Japan, will you be able to have luck be in your favor soon? Fuji, a Hawk, and an Eggplant. Because if you accidentally hang them upside down, they can bring rain and gloomy weather. Whether it be a major surgery or a routine checkup, going to the hospital on a Wednesday means good luck and good health. “長き世の 遠の眠りの みな目覚め 波乗り船の 音のよきかな” (“Nagai yo no tō no nemuri no minamesame naminori-sen no oto no yō kana”), your dream will become much better. February each year is an important period in the Japanese cultural event of Setsubun (meaning seasonal divide). What do they require for their boy, Wanna know more about authentic Japanese food? Below are some of the more common superstitions you may come across on your travels in Japan. Take a closer look at their Japanese words. Many give Senbazuru to a newly born baby with many hopes for their good health and well-being. It brings luck and fortune; 7 is a number of sacred luck for the Japanese, as well as many other cultures; When entering a funeral, throw salt on your shoulder, as this keeps death and spirits away from you. However, be careful! Now you may wonder, why specifically these three combinations? Whether you believe that blowing out birthday candles in one breath is essential for your wishes to come true or that spilled salt will bring bad luck, here are 21 more superstitions to keep in mind. Fuji originally symbolizes “Safe”, a Hawk (Taka in Japanese) means “Higher” and an Eggplant (known as Nasu in Japanese” represent “Achievement”. 3. These kanji words represent the six days of the traditional Rokuyo calendar, based on the Chinese lunar calendar. § See a penny, pick it up; all day long, you will have good luck. Another fukumame-related custom is eating beans equivalent to one’s age, plus one – an extra bean is to signify the hope to lengthen a year of living. If you find a snake skin during a field trip, keep it in your wallet. And of course, they have a quick remedy for that too! It’s said that finding a spider in the morning is a sign of good luck, and to kill it would mean ruing your chances of having a good day. Superstitions from Japan that are beneficial. Japanese beliefs and superstitions are well rooted in the history and culture of Japan. Every country has there own superstitions, many westerners have probably heard "step on a crack you break your mothers back" or how we're all a little bit more aware on Friday the 13th. Remember the famous scenes from The Notebook, Breakfast at Tiffany’s and Chasing Amy where rainy days are always followed by passionate kissing in the rain? So what is the origin of luck for fukumame? However, the belief does not stop there – the ehomaki must be eaten as a whole (uncut roll), as cutting would be seen as ending the luck. And if you look closer, you will see there is a pattern: The same kanji words are to repeat in the same order every six days. Take a closer look at their Japanese words. Yes, simply stay in your bed would be a safe bet. The superstitions are related to the Japanese culture and tradition. Mt. Top 10: Asian superstitions by Kelvin Truong Oct 18, 2017 Like many other Asians, I grew up in a traditional household and my elders – from my grandmother to my mom (to think of it, maybe it was just the women) are highly superstitious. All this because Japan is influenced by Buddhism and Shintoism that believes in thousands of gods and supernatural creatures. So, just how superstitious are the Japanese? Instead of Mt. Unfortunately, this rain season comes at a time when most of the outdoor festival or harvest events are held. Unlucky numbers within the Japanese culture are also prominent, and are avoided like the plague when betting. In the past, the Japanese would do this one common practice, which was putting a Takarabune picture – an artistic and sophisticated drawing of a ship with the word “Treasure” written in Kanji on it – under the pillow with a palindrome such as  “長き世の 遠の眠りの みな目覚め 波乗り船の 音のよきかな” (“Nagai yo no tō no nemuri no minamesame naminori-sen no oto no yō kana”), your dream will become much better. Fuji, dreaming of tobacco is also said to produce a similar effect, because tobacco smokes rises to a great height! 43. Make sure to mark this day as the one you choose to work your best because you will be rewarded for your hard work at the end of the day. Several superstitions in Japan have come from other cultures. Don’t worry, here is a tip from to see a good “Hatsuyume”. 4. On this day, good luck will come to you in the morning, but not in the afternoon (especially from 2 PM to 6 PM). 4) Whistling at night refers you that a snake will come to you or a ghost will attack you. “Fuku” is a homonym for luck, happiness in Japanese, and mame is a symbol of health and well-being. On this day, good luck will come to you all day, except at noon (from 11 AM to 1 PM). Loves musical instruments, games, internet and Japanese culture. There are a lot of numbers, objects, words and actions that can bring luck or bad luck. Because the meaning is “Buddhist’s death”, the day is considered to be the unluckiest day of all. Sometimes, all we want is also a bit of luck, and so do the Japanese. Fuku wa uchi” – “Demons out! According to the Japanese culture, the white snake is a crown of Benzaiten, who is the goddess of wealth, fortune and abundance. Very few of these good luck superstitions seem to make any sense. See also: Interesting things we learned in 2020 Teru Teru Bozu or “Japanese rain-prevention dolls”, are traditionally handmade dolls made from tissue paper or cloth, usually white and ghost-like in appearance, and usually seen hung outside doors and windows in Japan in hope of sunny weather. For ease, the topic of superstitions can be divided into three main categories: those that bring bad luck; those bringing good luck and the third type which … * Datemaki (伊達巻) (sweet omelet mixed with fish paste or shrimp) symbolizes a wish for success, rapid promotion and scholarship because the shape of the datemaki greatly resembles a scroll. I don’t know about you, but my life does not usually work that way. If a beggar comes to your door, you must salt the entrance to your door, otherwise you will have bad luck as financial misfortunes in your home; Whoever listens to classical music as a child becomes a genius; A paper or wood hidden in the clothes brings luck, if it is kept close to the body, all the time; A good omen is a bird defecating in its head; Blood type identifies the person's qualities; If the stems or tea leaves float vertically, you will be lucky, but it is difficult to happen. In reality, to some, rain always brings a feeling of melancholy, loneliness, or simply irritation and anxiety because tomorrow’s outdoor barbecue party might be canceled. Who knows, buying a lottery on Taian day, eating Ehomaki before an important test or dreaming of Mt. Japan. Superstitions, myths, omens, and irrational beliefs certainly play a role in cultures throughout the world and here we propose to offer a few for your entertainment and enjoyment. Because the kanji’s literal meaning is “first come first serve”, this day is a good day to start new ventures, dealing with urgent businesses and participating in sports events. In this article we’ll look at some of the Japanese superstitions, However, if you find a spider at night, you must definitely kill it. A significant portion of Japanese superstition is related to language. So if you encounter a white snake (either in reality or dreams) it is automatically considered to bring you good luck. Other superstitions relate to the literal meanings of words. Learned from these “bad lucks”, the Japanese began to take luck more seriously and from there, superstitions regarding luck were born, and have been playing an important part in the country’s culture until this very day. On this day, good luck will only come to those who wait until the afternoon, because bad luck will come in the morning. Why Skin Whitening culture is so popular in Japan? Be that as it may, the Japanese have a great many superstitions. via japan-talk.com . This day promises good luck in the morning and evening, with some bad luck around midday. Numbers and objects that have names that are homophones for words such as "death" and "suffering" are typically considered unlucky. It’s believed that spirits of the dead, vengeful or not, hang around the funeral car with their casket. You may end up finding some bugs depending on the language or article you visit, if it happens we recommend reading the article on original language portuguese. Sakimake (also known as Senmake or Senbu) (先負け). Deadly Japanese Superstitions . Do you, Despite being one of the top nations worldwide, Japan has managed to preserve its traditional, long-, Do you know ‘Sa Shi Su Se So’ as Basic seasonings for Japanese cuisine? Fuji, a Hawk, and an Eggplant. Remember to make full use of your two-hour of luck before it runs out! Bihaku is one of the Japa, Today let’s take a look at what Japanese girls look for in a guy. That single word has come to define what many individuals, groups, and cultures want. For instance, it is thought unlucky for a woman to enter a tunnel construction site, for fear of offending the spirit of the mountain. In additions, the ehomaki’s lucky symbol also depends on how it is eaten: The roll must be eaten in its entirety in one sitting, without a single grain of rice grain left behind so that not a single bit of luck is lost. Some of these superstitions originated in religious belief. Phoenixes, representing women, are also auspicious. * Kuromame (黒豆) – black soybeans (seasoned with sugar and soy sauce). My love for writing and photography is genuine and I am eager to show you my lens of looking at Japan! Dragons, used to represent men, are divine beings capable of bringing happiness and good fortune. Days 1 and 15 of the lunar calendar, sexual relations should not be had; They say that in the photos of 3 people, the one in the middle dies first; Never eat eels with pickled “umê” (or “tempura” with watermelon); Sticking food with chopsticks (chopsticks) and leaving them standing, is unlucky. In total contrast to Butsumetsu, “Taian” is believed to be the luckiest day of all because of the meaning of the day – “great peace”. Senbazuru is a handmade string of 1000 origami cranes. So far, in my life I did it many times, nothing bad happened! ASK any questions about Japanese! We cannot speak of Japanese superstitions without citing the numbers that the Japanese are so afraid of. It’s a demon in disguise! Although many don’t believe or follow most superstitious beliefs, many people participate in perpetuating them, even if they know better. Throwing Salt on Yourself/Somebody’s Back. This is also done at the funeral; Never write your name in red ink, it suggests that your life will be cut soon; Do not leave rice on the plate, you can go blind; If you lie down after eating, you will become a cow; To see a spider in the morning of luck, and at night of bad luck; If you hear thunder, you must hide your navel, otherwise the god will eat your navel; If you pass a hearse nearby, hide your thumb, because otherwise something bad can happen to parents; You must not take pictures of graves as this will attract bad luck, and you will be disturbing the rest of the dead; If the geta (Japanese wooden shoes) breaks in the middle is a sign of bad luck; Mirror steals the soul, mirror should not be placed towards the bed; Do not step on the edges of the mat, unlucky. Because each dish serving as a symbol or wish for the upcoming year. Semamori – Japanese Embroidered Good Luck Symbols on Kids Clothes. favorite_border Like. This is one of the most popular weather-related superstitions. Japan is a country full of superstitions, there are thousands, and the Japanese take them very seriously. Traditionally, there are three symbols indicating good luck for “Hatsuyume”: Mt. To attract good luck Leave the doors and windows open and the lights on so that the energy can flow through your home, and it'll attract good luck. Although the kanji word contains a red element (赤), be careful not to mistake it with a red of luck. * Subasu (酢ばす) (vinegar lotus root), with its many holes, is a symbol of an unobstructed view of the future. While turtles are revered for their longevity in Chinese culture, they can also be a symbol of bad luck. You might hear something along the lines of, “your parents will die young if you don’t hide your thumbs!”. or Because of the unique transition between seasons, the Japanese have established the practice of mamemaki – throwing lucky beans, commonly known as fukumame inside and outside of the house while chanting “Oni wa soto! What do you think about Japanese skin, particularly face? Here are the six Rokuyo (Roku – six, yo – day) and their meanings: 1. But out of all animals, why are cranes so important to the Japanese? Literally translated to “the first dream”, Hatsuyume is a way Japanese predict their fortune for the New Year based on the first dream after December 31st. Luck. Some animals or animal depictions are included in Japanese superstitions which may bring good or bad luck. 6. The Japanese believe that if you dream about one or all of these symbols, it will bring you good fortune throughout the year. Many also hang Senbazuru inside the home to bring good luck and ward off bad lucks. Looking back at Japan’s turbulent history, the country had undergone a series of devasting natural disasters – earthquakes, tsunami, typhoons, and volcanic eruptions. Leading in a major project and success will ensure your promotion? Because the word “mame” sounds like the word for “hard work and good health”, eating this during New Year is a symbol of good health for the upcoming year. * Ebi (えび) (shrimp) is a symbol of renewing life – because the animal molts its skin and longevity – because of their long antennae and curved body (like the curved back of the elderly). If you see a black cat is crossing the road in front of you then it will cause bad luck for you. In this article we will look at some of the Japanese superstitions, some even bizarre and meaningless to us. In the past, the Japanese would do this one common practice, which was putting a Takarabune picture – an artistic and sophisticated drawing of a ship with the word “Treasure” written in Kanji on it – under the pillow with a palindrome such as. It is because this calendar usually goes unnoticed to foreigners in general and even to the Japanese themselves. Lucky numbers are embedded within the culture and history of Japan and the Japanese people, and when it comes to gambling and numbers, the Japanese are often very superstitious when placing certain wagers on certain games. There are expressions to wish good luck upon someone, and phrases that attribute one’s achievements to luck. Hatsuyume (初夢) This can be a challenge anyway because Japanese spiders can be large, venomous and/or fast. If you pay attention to this Rokuyo calendar, it is easy to notice the small words in kanji below each number that mark each day. Many superstitions are based on animism, where a non-human living thing, such as animals and plants, are believed to have spirits. Sensho (also known as Sakigachi or Senkachi) (先勝). Don’t worry, there are alternatives! This is why there are two readings for the number four, shi and yon. Mt. The broken geta sandal In the west, it’s the breaking of a mirror which signals bad things to come, while in Japan, it’s the popping off of a geta strap. Many people have little superstitions that they follow to attract good luck. Though, I don’t believe in this one. Our website is originally written in Portuguese and translated using artificial intelligence. The red color symbolizes blood and fire, so make sure to watch out for knives and fire. Now you may wonder, why specifically these three combinations? Spiders appear in countless Japanese myths and tend to garner a fair amount of respect. It is a good idea to go to the hospital on Wednesdays. Sound mysterious, right? Have an important final test coming soon that you cannot fail, even if you have known everything inside and out? Because the kanji is literally translated into “pulling friends”, it is best to celebrate weddings to draw your friends in the spirit of love. The Japanese word for “thumb” is oyayubi (親指/おやゆび) which translates into “parent finger”. Why do they do this to the dead; Sleeping with the head to the north attracts death, because the dead are buried with the head to the north; Cutting your nails at night, they say it also attracts death; Whistling and playing flutes at night, attracts snakes and ghosts; Crossing with Ravens and Black Cats is a sign of bad omen; Never pass food from your chopsticks to someone else's plate or beat the chopsticks on the plate. In this video we introduce 2 famous superstitions in Japan: funeral hearse and upright-floating tea stalk! Good luck superstitions § Fingers crossed — By making the sign of the Christian faith with our fingers, evil spirits would be prevented from destroying our chances of good fortune. The day’s meaning is “red mouth” and it actually brings bad luck, except for noon time (from 11 AM to 1 PM). It’s a great day for celebratory events like weddings good day for celebratory events, but it’s best to avoid legal battles and funerals. “Fuku” is a homonym for luck, happiness in Japanese, and mame is a symbol of health and well-being. Many customs and superstitions are often characterized by consumption of beloved foods and are rooted in a rich history of traditions, carried on from one generation to the next. Fuji on the first day of New Year, you might see yourself receiving more good fortune than you could ever imagine! Why? Let’s take a look at the auspicious meaning behind these Osechi foods. A good luck superstition that originated in the United Kingdom involves saying “rabbit” right after you wake up on the first day of the month. There are other superstitious prejudices Many Japanese carry talisman (omamori) and other good luck charms such as that … Besides the normal calendar commonly used worldwide, the Japanese also use another calendar, called the “Rokuyo” (六曜日). Apparently it's bad luck to trim your finger or toenails after dark, at least according to superstitions in Turkey, India and South Korea. Japan is no exception. A crane (or Tsuru) in Japan is a commonly seen symbol in most Japanese artworks and is regarded as a good luck charm for the Japanese. It was traditionally embroidered on the top back of the child’s kimono. Yako and nogitsune are malicious kitsune, … Four is an unlucky number in Japan because it sounds like shi (死 – death). Many Japanese superstitions are shared with other Asian nations, especially China. So why do we do them? Japanese superstitions were based in historic events of the past and have become and … Have not dreamt of any of these symbols? Have a simple try of luck and your life may change forever! Literally translated to “the first dream”, Hatsuyume is a way Japanese predict their fortune for the New Year based on the first dream after December 31st. Interestingly, the roll is filled with seven different ingredients with a traditionally auspicious number.