JAPANESE SUPERSTITIONS

 Japanese people are often considered as the most logical , epitome of discipline and commitment but that doesn't mean that their daily life is not influenced by their belief in superstitions. Yes , you read it right! Japanese do believe in superstition and some of them would freak you out. Here are some of the superstitions:

1. Fear of number of 4 and 9  

Japanese culture associates 4 and 9 with misfortune. 4 (shi) also means " death". Cars with the number 4 in their license plate are cheaper in Japan , same with apartments and mansion' s addresses.9 (kyuu / ku) sounds like torture or suffering. Remember not to give gifts in 4 or 9 in Japan!

2. Don't whistle at night 

A careless whistle at night might get you unwanted visit by either a monster or a hoodlum. Japanese believe that by whistling you are disturbing the quiet of the night and thus bringing danger to yourself like snakes , burglars or even ghosts :(

3. Don't sleep with your heads towards your north 

This superstition is also believed in India as there is a custom to lay a corpse with head directed to the north. Japanese too believe that sleeping in north direction is bad luck . This is from the story that Buddha died lying down, with his head towards the direction.

4. Don't kill morning spiders 

So, according to these old Japanese sayings spiḍers you see in morning or at noon are a good omen.Therefore you should not harm the bringer of that joyful message as it will destroy the good luck that is about to come to you. Next time you visit Japan try noṭ to say that you hate spiders!

5. Teru Teru Bōzu (Shine-Shine Monk) 

Teru Teru Bōzu is a small traditional handmade doll made of white paper or cloth and are hung around window sills to help stop the rain and guarantee that tomorrow will be sunny. You might have noticed this charm in various anime or Japanese movies. The story ages back to the Heian Period (794-1185) where a monk promised he could bring clear skies the next day . Legend has it that the monk chanted nonstop in front of a feudal lord and was beheaded when he failed to stop the rain. His head was then wrapped in a white cloth and hung it up to wish for good weather. Though Teru Teru Bōzu may have a dark story but children in Japan are taught about the power of the doll with great zest.

6. Hide your thumb if you see a funeral car 

In Japan it is believed that if you see a funeral car and don't hide your thumb , you might loose your parents . So it is advised to ball up your fists to hide your thumbs. The reason is that the thumb is like a parent finger, so by doing this you are protecting them from the evil spirit of the deceased that lingers around the car.

7. Use of chopsticks 

Japanese people have their own do and don'ts when it comes to using hashi ( chopsticks). Don't stick them upright in your rice or food as it is reminiscent of placing incense stick at the altar during a funeral. Don't use your chopsticks to pierce through your food , instead use a fork for this. Don't point your chopsticks at anyone as it might be disrespectful. 

Let us know about the weirdest superstition you have heard in the comment section below! 

-Aanchal Singh