What are superstitions that japanese believe in?

 

What are superstitions that japanese believe in?

by Andrea Garza

(San Antonio Texas, USA)

The Question:

I am interested in knowing what are the different superstitions japanese believe to be true?

My answer

Well, I am not a pro on superstition but i found a good compilation for you. Here are some of them:

-If you play with fire, you will wet your bed. (It makes children become aware of the danger of fire.)

-If you rest just after eating, you will become a cow/pig/elephant. (This means not to be lazy.)

-If you whistle or play a flute at night, snakes will come to you. (This means not to bother your neighbors.) (When they say snake, it means a thief.)

-A cold mid-section will cause diarrhea.

-The first dream of a new year will come true.

-Breaking a comb or the cloth strap of a “geta” wooden sandal is an omen of misfortune.

-Stepping on the cloth border of a tatami mat brings bad luck.

You can find the source here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_superstition

Comments for What are superstitions that japanese believe in?

Average Rating starstarstarstarstar

Click here to add your own comments

Jun 11, 2012

A few more

by: Anonymous


I’ll just add a few that I’ve heard while living in Japan, many I’ve been warned about personally. (Some might be more wives’ tales but are still superstitions I believe)

– The more layers of socks you wear the less likely you are to be sick

– Taking medicine with anything other than water is dangerous and will cause the medicine not to work

– There are many certain combinations of foods that need to be avoided at all costs lest you want to become ill

– Sleeping with your head pointing North is bad luck

– If you leave a fan blowing on you at night you will die

– 4 and 9 are unlucky numbers. Some people believe simply saying these numbers can bring ill-fortune upon you (both of these numbers have 2 ways to say them, only one is “evil”)

– Electric blankets are bad for your health

– Some older people believe having their photo taken will also remove their soul


Click here to add your own comments


Join in and write your own page! It’s easy to do. How? Simply click here to return to Ask me something.