- Chinese Bad Luck Numbers
- Is 13 Lucky Or Unlucky
- Today's Lucky Numbers To Play
- Bad Luck Numbers In Japanese
- Bad Luck Numbers In China
- In the US, many see the number 13 as bad luck and 7 as good luck. In Japan, there are more unlucky numbers then lucky numbers. The numbers 4 and 9 are considered very unlucky. The number 4 is considered unlucky because it is the same pronunciation as the word 'death' when pronounced 'shi.'
- And in Japan, the number nine sounds similar to the word for torture, and is also avoided. And avoid even numbers In some countries, including India, gifts of money should be given in odd numbers.
Most of us grew up knowing that seeing a black cat means bad luck. Asia in particular, has very superstitious folks. Sometimes, most of these superstitions are shared with children for them to behave properly. In Japan, superstitions are rooted from culture and history. Superstitions such as a black cat crossing your way are common here and in other Asian countries. But these are not entirely things to be afraid of. The Maneki Neko or the “lucky cat” in Japan is very common, and many shops, restaurants and business enterprises have figures of beckoning cats because they believe they bring in money and good fortune. The Japanese old folks also believe that superstitions are meant to teach lessons or serve as practical advice.
Most of Japan’s most common superstitions are related to language, numbers and objects. Names that are homophones or words that are pronounced the same as another word but differs in meaning such as “shi” (death) and the number 4, is considered unlucky. Other beliefs are rooted in ancient Pagan animist culture in Japan, and regards living and natural things as having spirits or powers, making some animals and depiction of animals as bringers of both good and bad fortune.
Chinese Bad Luck Numbers
There are several unlucky numbers in Japanese, aside from the numbers 4 and 9. Nine is also sometimes pronounced “ku” which means suffering. They also believe that the number 13 is unlucky, but many believe that this is just influenced by the Western culture. Because these numbers are considered bad luck, expect that public buildings avoid these numbers. In hospitals in particular, the number 43 is avoided because it can literally mean “still birth” and maternity wards don’t have that room number for such reason. Island casino online.
Aside from the beckoning cat figurines, the Japanese believe that if you see a spider in the morning, it means good luck. But if you see one at night, it would bring you bad luck. They also believe that if you catch a crow’s eyes, something bad will happen. Chopsticks should not be placed and stuck vertically on the food, particularly into the rice, for this is only done during funerals.
The Japanese also believe that if a funeral hearse drives past, you must hide your thumb in a fist. Hiding it is considered protection for your parent. If you don’t hide it, your parent will die. This is because the Japanese word for thumb translates as “parent-finger.” Old folks in Japan also say that if you go to a funeral, you should throw salt over yourself before entering your home for you to be cleansed. It doesn’t stop there. Japanese folks are very particular with directions. One superstition states that you should never sleep with your head in North position or you will have a short life. During meals, chopsticks should not be stuck upright into food especially rice, because this is only done on the altar at a funeral. Best casino in ok. Food should also never to be passed chopstick-to-chopstick, because this is done in a ceremony where bone fragments from cremated remains are placed in an urn, a ritual called hotokebashi. Sure, hygiene is hygiene but there are still people who believe that cutting your fingernails or toenails at night is bad luck. They say that if you do this, you will not be with your parents at their deathbed.
Japanese Unlucky Numbers. It seems that every culture has lucky numbers and unlucky numbers. In Japan, four and nine are considered unlucky numbers because of their pronunciation. Four is pronounced 'shi,' which is the same pronunciation as death. Nine is pronounced 'ku,' which has the same pronunciation as agony or torture.
Many Japanese superstitions came from old folk wisdom. The old folks believe that night time is quiet time, and those who whistle or make noise at night will be targeted by the bad guys. To make children become aware of the danger of fire, old folks would tell them not to play with fire, or they will wet their beds. Asians are also particular with manners and attitude. A Japanese superstition says that, if you rest just after eating, you will become a cow, a pig or an elephant. In relation to whistling at night, they say that if you play flute at night, snakes will come to you. Old folks say this so that children will learn not to bother their neighbors.
In the West, if breaking a mirror means bad things will come, in Japan, if you break a comb or a geta strap, it means bad luck. So FYI to those who want to buy geta sandals: buy the sturdy one so as not to break it and have bad luck for the rest of your life. But just when you thought you’re safe from all these bad luck superstitions, you may be in your yakudoshi (bad luck) year already.
Men and women are known to have different bad luck years. If your age is represented below, don’t worry. There are hundreds of amulet or omamori to wear to keep bad luck away for the rest of the year. But remember to ask specifically for the yakudoshi and carry it with you at all times. Never open the amulet pouch, or else, you’ll get a double hit of yakudoshi and bachi (curse).
Yakudoshi years for women: 18, 19, 32, 33, 36 and 37
Yakudoshi years for men: 24, 25, 41, 42, 60, 61
For some, these could be just numbers, or animals or old sayings. But these superstitions have been in the Japanese way of life, for who knows how long. It could be a bit shallow for you or for some people, but if you’re in Japan, it’s better to keep your reactions and thoughts to yourself. These have been a part of their culture and history. They won’t expect you to believe them, but these are some of the things that we all should respect.
Is 13 Lucky Or Unlucky
Photos by: annemarievanl., bcostin, expattonx2 & The Original Ki via FlickrSeven appears to be a universally lucky or holy number. There are many terms that include the number seven: seven wonders of the world, seven deadly sins, seven virtues, the seven seas, seven days of the week, seven colors of the spectrum, the seven dwarfs, and so on. 'Seven Samurai (Shichi-nin no Samurai)' is a classic Japanese movie directed by Akira Kurosawa, which was remade into, 'The Magnificent Seven.' Buddhists believe in seven reincarnations. The Japanese celebrate the seventh day after a baby's birth, and mourn the seventh day and seventh week following a death.
Japanese Unlucky Numbers
It seems that every culture has lucky numbers and unlucky numbers. In Japan, four and nine are considered unlucky numbers because of their pronunciation. Four is pronounced 'shi,' which is the same pronunciation as death. Nine is pronounced 'ku,' which has the same pronunciation as agony or torture. In fact, some hospitals and apartments don't have rooms numbered '4' or '9'. Some vehicle identification numbers are restricted on Japanese license plates, unless someone requests them. For example, 42 and 49 at the end of plates, which are linked to the words for 'death (shini 死に)' and 'to run over (shiku 轢く)'. The full sequences 42-19, (proceeding to death 死に行く) and 42-56 (time to die 死に頃) are also restricted. Learn more about unlucky Japanese numbers on my 'Question of the Week' page. If you are not familiar with Japanese numbers, check out our page for learning Japanese numbers.
Today's Lucky Numbers To Play
Shichi-fuku-jin
The Shichi-fuku-jin (七福神) is the Seven Gods of Luck in Japanese folklore. They are comical deities, often portrayed riding together on a treasure ship (takarabune). They carry various magical items such as an invisible hat, rolls of brocade, an inexhaustible purse, a lucky rain hat, robes of feathers, keys to the divine treasure house and important books and scrolls. Here are the names and the features of the Shichi-fuku-jin. Club world casino instant play. Please check out the color image of the Shichi-fuku-jin at the top right of the article.
- Daikoku (大黒) --- The god of wealth and farmers. He holds a big bag filled with treasures on his shoulder and an uchideno-kozuchi (lucky mallet) in his hand.
- Bishamon (毘沙門) --- The god of war and warriors. He wears a suit of armor, a helmet and is armed with a sword.
- Ebisu (恵比寿) --- The god of fishermen and wealth. He holds a large, red tai (sea bream) and a fishing rod.
- Fukurokuju (福禄寿) --- The god of longevity. He has an elongated bald head and a white beard.
- Juroujin (寿老人) --- Another god of longevity. He wears a long white beard and a scholar's cap, and is often accompanied by a stag, which is his messenger.
- Hotei (布袋) --- The god of happiness. He has a jolly face and a big fat belly.
- Benzaiten (弁財天) --- The goddess of music. She carries a biwa (Japanese mandolin).
Bad Luck Numbers In Japanese
Nanakusa
Nanakusa (七草) means 'seven herbs.' In Japan, there is a custom to eat nanakusa-gayu (seven herb rice porridge) on January 7th. These seven herbs are called, 'haru no nanakusa (seven herbs of spring).' It is said that these herbs will remove evil from the body and prevent illness. Also, people tend to eat and drink too much on New Year's Day; therefore it is an ideal light and healthy meal that contains a lot of vitamins. There are also the 'aki no nanakusa (seven herbs of autumn),' but they are not usually eaten, but used for decorations to celebrate the week of the autumn equinox or the full moon in September.
- Haru no nanakusa (春の七草) --- Seri (Japanese parsley), Nazuna (shepherd's purse), Gogyou, Hakobera (chickweed), Hotokenoza, Suzuna, Suzushiro
- Aki no nanakusa (秋の七草) --- Hagi (bush clover), Kikyou (Chinese bellflower), Ominaeshi, Fujibakama, Nadeshiko (pink), Obana (Japanese pampas grass), Kuzu (arrowroot)
Proverbs Including Seven
'Nana-korobi Ya-oki (七転び八起き)' literally means, 'seven falls, eight getting up.' Life has its ups and downs; therefore it is an encouragement to keep going no matter how tough it is. 'Shichiten-hakki (七転八起)' is one of the yoji-jukugo (four character kanji compounds) with same meaning.
Seven Deadly Sins/Seven Virtues
Bad Luck Numbers In China
You can check out the kanji characters for seven deadly sins and seven virtues on our Kanji for tattoos page.