Japanese superstitions are not very well known in the rest of the world and many of them are quite curious. Although it is well known that superstitions are part of the popular culture of all the peoples of the world. Without a doubt, this is one of the most superstitious countries on the planet, since it has a large number of them.
Most of these superstitions stem from their history, their native religion, the shintō, and the influence of nearby countries, such as China. This may be surprising to many. Well, it is one of the most advanced countries in the world and it is always projected into the future. But what we should not ignore is that many of its superstitions are rooted in the culture and history of this country.
So we have decided to collect some of the most popular Japanese superstitions. To know a little about the beliefs and customs of this country.
Japanese superstitions related to numbers
Although in the West it is common to associate the number 13 with bad luck. Also in Japan there are numbers that are considered unlucky. Two of them are 4 and 9, and the reason for this is related to the pronunciation of these numbers.
The number four is pronounced “shi”, which in Japanese sounds almost the same as the word death. While the number nine is pronounced as “ku” and there is a homophonic word, which in Japanese means pain. So nobody wants to pronounce them so as not to invoke these words in their life.
For these reasons, it is usually very common that buildings do not have these numbers in floors or rooms, especially if they are hospitals and hotels. Likewise, another number considered to be unlucky is 43. It generally avoids being used especially in hospitals and more specifically in the maternity sections. Since its pronunciation could mean “dead birth”.
The omikuji, one of the most popular Japanese superstitions
One of the things that we are going to find commonly in all the Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples in Japan are the omikuji. It is a few rolled paper sticks, containing random writing. They are believed to predict the fate of those who obtain it. Whether in aspects such as love, friendship or studies, among others.
Japanese superstitions related to shoes
The Japanese have various curious superstitions and those related to shoes are one of them. It is believed if they release shoes on a rainy day, from then on it will rain again every time they are worn. Another superstition says that wearing brand new evening shoes brings bad luck to its owner. So, if you want to always have good luck, it must be done during the day.
Likewise, according to another Japanese superstition, putting someone’s shoe that has left in the kitchen oven will make that person return. On the other hand, when throwing a shoe into the air, if it falls on its sole, the weather will be pleasant. But if it falls on its side, it will be cloudy and if it falls upside down it is an omen that it will rain.
Hide your thumbs when a hearse passes
Another of the incredible Japanese superstitions, is to hide your thumbs when watching a hearse pass. Since not doing so, there is a risk that their parents will die.
This superstition has an etymological origin, since the thumb in Japanese is translated as the “father finger”. Therefore, those who want their parents to have a long life should hide their thumbs in the presence of a hearse.
Whistle at night
This is a superstition dating back to the Edo era. Whistling at night is believed to attract countless bad omens, including ghosts, spirits, and snakes. Although it is a superstition that also exists in the west, for example, in southern Italy. It is not as strong a belief as in some areas of Japan, for example, in Okinawa.
However, in other areas such as Tokyo the belief is not as strong. But they can still get someone’s attention if they hear them whistle.
Photos of three people
Just as in other parts of the world there are several superstitions related to photos, Japan also has its own. It is a very popular one among the youngest and with which they tend to joke a lot. According to what is said when photographs are taken and three people appear in it, it is believed that whoever is in the middle will be the first to die. Or else, you will be very unlucky.
Give plants with roots
Bringing flowers to someone sick in a hospital is very common in Japan and the West. But giving away a plant with roots in Japan is definitely not a joke. Well, as it is believed, giving a plant with roots to a sick person who is hospitalized represents that it will “take root” in the hospital and because of that their recovery will be longer.
Ages of bad luck, one of the oldest Japanese superstitions
In Japan there is an ancient belief called yakudoshi, according to which both men and women have certain ages that are unlucky. It is a superstition that dates back to the Heian period, and even today it is one of the most popular among the most superstitious.
In the case of women, the unlucky years are when they turn 19, 33, and 37, while in men they are 25, 42 and 61 years old. Being the years 33 and 42 the most problematic, mainly due to its phonetics. Well 33 can be pronounced in Japanese as “Sanzan” which translates as “terrible”. And for its part 42 can be read as “Shin ni” which means preparing to die.
Similarly, it is believed that the years before and after the age of bad luck also have some misery. So you should go to a shrine the year before a yakudoshi to clean up bad luck.
These are only part of the most popular Japanese superstitions, but they are not all. So, if you liked the article, we invite you to wait for the second part where we will present many more.
ALFA