Lucky Animals In Japan
Myths and legends are common things in Japan. From city origins to shrine deities, the country has rich stories for how things came about, where they are from, and what they mean for modern Japan. Animals are no exception. In fact, they are highly revered by the Japanese, to the point that they build shrines and assign a day to commemorate their sacred existence. Typical Meanings of the Japanese Lucky Cat Giving a special friend or family member a Japanese lucky cat (maneki neko) is a great way to wish them luck and show them how much you care. With different cats to symbolise the different kinds of luck that you might wish to bestow, they make truly thoughtful, personal gifts. Like many countries throughout the world, Japan considers the number seven lucky. This is not imported, but steeped in the countrys religious traditions. Seven is an important number in Buddhism. Japanese Buddhists celebrate a babys seventh day and mourn the seventh day after a person dies when the soul is said to cross over. Happy Friday the 13th! In the spirit of this spooky day, check out our list of Thirteen Animal Superstitions. Some of them may surprise you! Often called the Deathwatch Beetle old superstition says a black beetle crawling across your shoe or tapping inside a wall is a sign of death to come. A few ways to say 'lucky' in the Japanese language. Japanese culture is traditionally filled with superstitions regarding luck.Historically, this was taken seriously as it was believed that bad crops, disease and disasters could be prevented with lucky charms or by avoiding unlucky things and places.
What Is My Lucky Animal
Animals In Germany
Lucky Animals In Japan China
Japanese superstitions are rooted in the culture and history of Japan and the Japanese people. [1] Some Japanese superstitions are meant to teach lessons or serve as practical advice. New casinos on line. Overview [ edit ]
Some superstitions that are common in Japan have been imported from other cultures. The Japanese share superstitions with other Asian cultures, particularly the Chinese, with whom they share significant historical and cultural ties. The unluckiness of the number four is one such example, as the Japanese word for 'four' sounds like the word for 'death'. However, unlike most other countries, in Japan, a black cat crossing one's path is considered to bring good luck. [2]
A significant portion of Japanese superstition is related to language. Numbers and objects that have names that are homophones for words such as 'death' and 'suffering' are typically considered unlucky. Other superstitions relate to the literal meanings of words. Another significant part of Japanese superstition has its roots in Japan's ancient pagan, animist culture and regards certain natural things as having kami . Thus, many Japanese superstitions involve beliefs about animals and depictions of animals bringing about good or bad fortune. [3] Folk wisdom [ edit ]
Resting just after eating results in becoming a cow/pig/elephant. (This discourages laziness.) [4] [5] [6]
If whistling or playing a flute at night, snakes will come out. (This means not to bother the neighbors.) In this context, 'snake' means a thief. [4] [5] [6]
A cold midsection will cause diarrhea.
The first dream of a Japanese New Year will come true.
Breaking a comb or the cloth strap of a geta wooden sandal is an omen of misfortune. [4]
Stepping on the cloth border of a tatami mat brings bad luck. Linguistic superstition [ edit ]
If a funeral hearse drives past, one must hide one's thumbs in a fist. The Japanese word for 'thumb' literally translates as 'parent-finger'. Hiding it is considered protection for one's parents. If this is not done, one's parents will die. [5] Numbers [ edit ] Lucky numbers [ edit ]
7 , when pronounced 'shichi', sounds similar to the number four ( shi). It is considered a good number since 7 symbolizes 'togetherness'. 8 is considered a lucky number because it is nearly homophonous to the word 'prosperity' ( han'ei), It is also homophonous to Hachik. 9 is considered a good number when pronounced 'ky', like a word for relief. 10 is considered a good number because it is pronounced 'j', like the word for 'enough' and 'replete'. It is also a homophone for the word 'ample' ( jbun'na). Unlucky numbers [ edit ]
There are six unlucky numbers in Japanese. Traditionally, 4 is unlucky because it is sometimes pronounced shi , which is the word for death. [5] Sometimes levels or rooms with 4 don't exist in hospitals or hotels. [ citation needed ] Particularly in the maternity section of a hospital, the room number 43 is avoided because it can literally mean 'stillbirth'. [3] Twerk game online . ( - shizan: - death/to die and - childbirth/produce). In cars and racing, number 42 which sounds like shini ( to death) and 49, which sounds like shiku ( to run over) are avoided. [7] When giving gifts such as plates, they are normally in sets of three or five, never four. [3]
Number 9 is sometimes pronounced ku with the same pronunciation as agony or torture. Combs ( kushi ) are rarely given as presents as the name is pronounced the same as 9 4. [8]
Due to these unlucky connotations, the numbers 4 and 9 are often pronounced yon and kyuu instead.
The number 13 is occasionally thought of as unlucky, although this is imported from Western culture. Death and the supernatural [ edit ]
After a Japanese funeral, the mourners perform a cleansing ritual by throwing salt over themselves or scattering it on walkways leading to the front door. [9]
Sleeping with head to the north results in a short life. (This is the way a body is laid out at funeral.) [3] [5]
Chopsticks should not be stuck upright into food, especially rice. Chopsticks are only stuck upright into rice in the bowl on the altar at a funeral or when paying respects to the deceased. This is called hotokebashi . [10]
Food should never be passed chopstick-to-chopstick, this is done only in a ceremony where bone fragments from cremated remains are placed in an urn. [3] [5]
Cutting fingernails or toenails at night is bad luck. If one does so, it is believed that will not be with parents at their deathbed. [4] [5]
A person's name should not be written in red ink. (This is due to names on grave markers being red.) [11] Animals [ edit ]
Use of the Maneki Neko or 'lucky cat'. Many businesses such as shops or restaurants have figures of such beckoning cats, which are considered to be lucky and to bring in money and fortune. [12]
A spider seen in the morning means good luck so the spider should not be killed. If a spider is seen at night means bad luck so it should be killed. [6]
A crow's caw means something bad will happen. This can be anything from illness or accidents to death or natural disasters. [6] What Is My Lucky Animal Spring [ edit ]
Ehou-maki are eaten during Setsubun in a lucky direction. See also [ edit ] References [ edit ] Animals In Germany
Simon, Gwladys Hughes (JulySeptember 1952). 'Some Japanese Beliefs and Home Remedies'. The Journal of American Folklore . 65 (257): 281293. doi:10.2307/537081. JSTOR537081.
'Superstition Bash Black Cats'. Committee for Skeptical Inquiry. 2011. Archived from the original on October 9, 2011 . Retrieved October 9, 2011 .
a b c d e 'Japanese Superstitions Part 1 - Death and the Number 4'. Japan Zone . Retrieved August 14, 2012 .
a b c d 'Japanese Superstitions, Part 2 - Omens and Floor Plans'. Japan Zone . Retrieved August 14, 2012 .
a b c d e f g 'Japanese Superstition'. Japan Guide. Archived from the original on July 29, 2012 . Retrieved August 14, 2012 .
a b c d 'Snakes, Combs, and Spiders: 10 Eerie Japanese Superstitions for the Curious'. LIVE JAPAN . Retrieved January 1, 2020 .
https://www.lingualift.com/blog/lucky-unlucky-numbers-japan/
http://maggiesensei.com/2010/03/03/E8BFB7E4BFA1meishin-E7B881E8B5B7engi-japanese-superstitions/
'Shinto Periods of Mourning'. eCondolence.com . January 1, 2020. Archived from the original on October 21, 2018 . Retrieved January 1, 2020 .
'Japanese Chopstick Etiquette Asian Lifestyle Design' . Retrieved January 2, 2020 .
'Japanese Superstitions: The Basics'. Japan Info . Retrieved January 2, 2020 .
Shuji, Matsushita (September 30, 2007). 'A mouse in cat's skin'. CNet Asia. Archived from the original on June 3, 2008 . Retrieved August 14, 2012 . Lucky Animals In Japan China Retrieved from 'https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Japanese_superstitionsoldid=980083097'
What Is My Lucky Animal
Animals In Germany
Lucky Animals In Japan China
Japanese superstitions are rooted in the culture and history of Japan and the Japanese people. [1] Some Japanese superstitions are meant to teach lessons or serve as practical advice. New casinos on line. Overview [ edit ]
Some superstitions that are common in Japan have been imported from other cultures. The Japanese share superstitions with other Asian cultures, particularly the Chinese, with whom they share significant historical and cultural ties. The unluckiness of the number four is one such example, as the Japanese word for 'four' sounds like the word for 'death'. However, unlike most other countries, in Japan, a black cat crossing one's path is considered to bring good luck. [2]
A significant portion of Japanese superstition is related to language. Numbers and objects that have names that are homophones for words such as 'death' and 'suffering' are typically considered unlucky. Other superstitions relate to the literal meanings of words. Another significant part of Japanese superstition has its roots in Japan's ancient pagan, animist culture and regards certain natural things as having kami . Thus, many Japanese superstitions involve beliefs about animals and depictions of animals bringing about good or bad fortune. [3] Folk wisdom [ edit ]
Resting just after eating results in becoming a cow/pig/elephant. (This discourages laziness.) [4] [5] [6]
If whistling or playing a flute at night, snakes will come out. (This means not to bother the neighbors.) In this context, 'snake' means a thief. [4] [5] [6]
A cold midsection will cause diarrhea.
The first dream of a Japanese New Year will come true.
Breaking a comb or the cloth strap of a geta wooden sandal is an omen of misfortune. [4]
Stepping on the cloth border of a tatami mat brings bad luck. Linguistic superstition [ edit ]
If a funeral hearse drives past, one must hide one's thumbs in a fist. The Japanese word for 'thumb' literally translates as 'parent-finger'. Hiding it is considered protection for one's parents. If this is not done, one's parents will die. [5] Numbers [ edit ] Lucky numbers [ edit ]
7 , when pronounced 'shichi', sounds similar to the number four ( shi). It is considered a good number since 7 symbolizes 'togetherness'. 8 is considered a lucky number because it is nearly homophonous to the word 'prosperity' ( han'ei), It is also homophonous to Hachik. 9 is considered a good number when pronounced 'ky', like a word for relief. 10 is considered a good number because it is pronounced 'j', like the word for 'enough' and 'replete'. It is also a homophone for the word 'ample' ( jbun'na). Unlucky numbers [ edit ]
There are six unlucky numbers in Japanese. Traditionally, 4 is unlucky because it is sometimes pronounced shi , which is the word for death. [5] Sometimes levels or rooms with 4 don't exist in hospitals or hotels. [ citation needed ] Particularly in the maternity section of a hospital, the room number 43 is avoided because it can literally mean 'stillbirth'. [3] Twerk game online . ( - shizan: - death/to die and - childbirth/produce). In cars and racing, number 42 which sounds like shini ( to death) and 49, which sounds like shiku ( to run over) are avoided. [7] When giving gifts such as plates, they are normally in sets of three or five, never four. [3]
Number 9 is sometimes pronounced ku with the same pronunciation as agony or torture. Combs ( kushi ) are rarely given as presents as the name is pronounced the same as 9 4. [8]
Due to these unlucky connotations, the numbers 4 and 9 are often pronounced yon and kyuu instead.
The number 13 is occasionally thought of as unlucky, although this is imported from Western culture. Death and the supernatural [ edit ]
After a Japanese funeral, the mourners perform a cleansing ritual by throwing salt over themselves or scattering it on walkways leading to the front door. [9]
Sleeping with head to the north results in a short life. (This is the way a body is laid out at funeral.) [3] [5]
Chopsticks should not be stuck upright into food, especially rice. Chopsticks are only stuck upright into rice in the bowl on the altar at a funeral or when paying respects to the deceased. This is called hotokebashi . [10]
Food should never be passed chopstick-to-chopstick, this is done only in a ceremony where bone fragments from cremated remains are placed in an urn. [3] [5]
Cutting fingernails or toenails at night is bad luck. If one does so, it is believed that will not be with parents at their deathbed. [4] [5]
A person's name should not be written in red ink. (This is due to names on grave markers being red.) [11] Animals [ edit ]
Use of the Maneki Neko or 'lucky cat'. Many businesses such as shops or restaurants have figures of such beckoning cats, which are considered to be lucky and to bring in money and fortune. [12]
A spider seen in the morning means good luck so the spider should not be killed. If a spider is seen at night means bad luck so it should be killed. [6]
A crow's caw means something bad will happen. This can be anything from illness or accidents to death or natural disasters. [6] What Is My Lucky Animal Spring [ edit ]
Ehou-maki are eaten during Setsubun in a lucky direction. See also [ edit ] References [ edit ] Animals In Germany
Simon, Gwladys Hughes (JulySeptember 1952). 'Some Japanese Beliefs and Home Remedies'. The Journal of American Folklore . 65 (257): 281293. doi:10.2307/537081. JSTOR537081.
'Superstition Bash Black Cats'. Committee for Skeptical Inquiry. 2011. Archived from the original on October 9, 2011 . Retrieved October 9, 2011 .
a b c d e 'Japanese Superstitions Part 1 - Death and the Number 4'. Japan Zone . Retrieved August 14, 2012 .
a b c d 'Japanese Superstitions, Part 2 - Omens and Floor Plans'. Japan Zone . Retrieved August 14, 2012 .
a b c d e f g 'Japanese Superstition'. Japan Guide. Archived from the original on July 29, 2012 . Retrieved August 14, 2012 .
a b c d 'Snakes, Combs, and Spiders: 10 Eerie Japanese Superstitions for the Curious'. LIVE JAPAN . Retrieved January 1, 2020 .
https://www.lingualift.com/blog/lucky-unlucky-numbers-japan/
http://maggiesensei.com/2010/03/03/E8BFB7E4BFA1meishin-E7B881E8B5B7engi-japanese-superstitions/
'Shinto Periods of Mourning'. eCondolence.com . January 1, 2020. Archived from the original on October 21, 2018 . Retrieved January 1, 2020 .
'Japanese Chopstick Etiquette Asian Lifestyle Design' . Retrieved January 2, 2020 .
'Japanese Superstitions: The Basics'. Japan Info . Retrieved January 2, 2020 .
Shuji, Matsushita (September 30, 2007). 'A mouse in cat's skin'. CNet Asia. Archived from the original on June 3, 2008 . Retrieved August 14, 2012 . Lucky Animals In Japan China Retrieved from 'https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Japanese_superstitionsoldid=980083097'
