Affluent Savvy
Photo by Shamia Casiano Pexels Logo Photo: Shamia Casiano

What two numbers are unlucky in Japan?

Due to these unlucky connotations, the numbers 4 and 9 are often pronounced yon and kyuu instead.

What is the theory of abundance?
What is the theory of abundance?

Abundance theory technically refers to the theory that if you align your thoughts and feelings with positivity and opportunity, you can begin...

Read More »
Can affirmations change you physically?
Can affirmations change you physically?

Similar to exercise, positive affirmations can actually increase the amount of feel-good hormones in our brains. Positive thoughts create positive...

Read More »
Awaken your dormant DNA ability to attract wealth effortlessly
Awaken your dormant DNA ability to attract wealth effortlessly

The simple yet scientifically proven Wealth DNA method laid out in the report allows you to effortlessly start attracting the wealth and abundance you deserve.

Learn More »

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.

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" 四 romaji: shi is a homophone for "death" kanji: 死. The same is true for Chinese, hanzi: 死 pinyin: sǐ, is also homophonous to "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 (Dōongo / Dōon Igigo (同音語 / 同音異義語, lit. "Like-Sound Utterance" / "Like-Sound Different-Meaning Utterance")) for words such as "death" and "suffering" are typically considered unlucky (see also, Imikotoba). 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]

The first dream of a Japanese New Year will come true (hatsuyume).

Breaking a comb or the cloth strap of a geta wooden sandal is an omen of misfortune.[4]

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 is an important number in Buddhism, and is also considered lucky. [7] is an important number in Buddhism, and is also considered lucky. 8 is considered a lucky number due to its shape.[7]

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.[8] Particularly in the maternity section of a hospital, the room number 43 is avoided because it can literally mean "stillbirth".[3] (死産 - shizan: 死 - death/to die and 産 - childbirth/produce). In cars and racing, number 42 which sounds like shini (死に – to death) and 49, which sounds like shiku (死苦 - a painful death) 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.[9][8]

What you vibrate is what you attract?
What you vibrate is what you attract?

Vibrations Attract Similar Energy There is a universal principle called the Law of Attraction that you've probably heard about. It states that...

Read More »
What is the hardest time frame in a relationship?
What is the hardest time frame in a relationship?

The first year of the relationship is the hardest stage, and even when you're living together, you still discover new things about each other every...

Read More »
Awaken your dormant DNA ability to attract wealth effortlessly
Awaken your dormant DNA ability to attract wealth effortlessly

The simple yet scientifically proven Wealth DNA method laid out in the report allows you to effortlessly start attracting the wealth and abundance you deserve.

Learn More »

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. [10] 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 . [11] . When sharing food, items should never be passed from chopstick-to-chopstick, as 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 they will not be with their 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.)[12]

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. [13] 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. 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]

See also [ edit ]

What is the female word of God?
What is the female word of God?

The Talmud also introduces the term Shekhinah to connote God's presence in the world. Though the term is grammatically feminine, in the Talmud it...

Read More »
Why does money exist?
Why does money exist?

Money is a medium of exchange; it allows people and businesses to obtain what they need to live and thrive. Bartering was one way that people...

Read More »
Awaken your dormant DNA ability to attract wealth effortlessly
Awaken your dormant DNA ability to attract wealth effortlessly

The simple yet scientifically proven Wealth DNA method laid out in the report allows you to effortlessly start attracting the wealth and abundance you deserve.

Learn More »
How can I earn 1000 per day?
How can I earn 1000 per day?

Making a course for various skills, including dance, drawing, cooking, etc., and selling it on platforms like Udemy, Unacademy, Skillshare,...

Read More »
Awaken your dormant DNA ability to attract wealth effortlessly
Awaken your dormant DNA ability to attract wealth effortlessly

The simple yet scientifically proven Wealth DNA method laid out in the report allows you to effortlessly start attracting the wealth and abundance you deserve.

Learn More »
What to wish before sleeping?
What to wish before sleeping?

Sweet dreams and good night. Relax and unwind; may your dreams be kind. Rest knowing that as you sleep, you're on my mind. I hope that you are...

Read More »