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Japanese and the number 7
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There are many terms that include the number 7, 7 wonders of the world, 7 deadly sins, 7th heaven, 7 days of the week, 7 dwarfs and so on.
Within in various cultures; numbers, deity, symbols etc are believed to give some form of luck, prosperity, wealth, happiness etc. In Japan the numbers 4 (shi) which is the same pronunciation as death and 9 (kyu) has the same pronunciation as torture or severe pain are looked upon as unlucky. Some of the lucky 7 beliefs in Japan - Traditionally buildings in Japan do not have a 4th floor. A major Japanese airline does not have seating numbered 4, 9 or 13. The number 7 is looked upon as a lucky number or a holy number. Eight is also considered a lucky number in Japan. Akira Kurosawa directed the classic Shichi-nin-no Samurai (Seven Samurai) which was remade as the Magnificent 7. The Japanese also celebrate the 7th day after a baby has been born. Though commonly it is the number of luck or good fortune, it is also a number which symbolises a period of time when people mourn, the 7th day and 7th week. Japanese Buddhists believe people are reincarnated 7 times. Ancient Japan was founded around 7 districts. There are 7 ups and eight downs of life, 7 Deadly Sins, 7 Heavenly Virtues, 7 Autumn flowers, 7 types of red pepper and the popular 7-5-3 (shichi-go-san) festival which is held each November for children. There are also 7 Spring herbs (Haru no Nanakusa). On January 7th it is customary to eat nanakusa-gayu (7 herb rice porridge). It is said that these herbs will remove evil from the body and prevent illness. There is also an Aki no Nanakusa, 7 Autumn Herbs which are not generally eaten, but used for decorations to celebrate the Autumn equinox week or full moon in September. The Shichi-fuku-jin is the Seven Gods of Luck, which are a group of popular deities whose origins stem from India, China and Japan. In Japanese folklore these 7 Gods are: - Daikoku - He is the god of wealth and farmers. Daikoku carries a big bag filled with treasures on his shoulder and an uchideno-kozuchi (lucky mallet) in his hand. Bishamon – He is the god of war and warriors. Bishamon wears a full suit of armour including a helmet and is armed with a sword. Ebisu – He is god of fishermen and wealth. Ebisu holds a large, red Tai (sea bream) and a fishing rod. Fukurokuju – He is the god of longevity. Fukurokuju’s character features an elongated bald head and a white beard. Jurojin - He is also a god of longevity. Jurojin wears a long white beard and a scholar's cap. He is often accompanied by a stag which is his messenger. Hotei – He is the god of happiness. Hotei’s character features a jolly face and a big fat belly. The 7 Gods of Luck are typically portrayed as comical deities, often pictured together riding a Takarabune (Treasure Ship). They all carry various magical items such as an invisible hat, robes of feather, keys to unlock the divine treasure house, various important texts and scrolls, rolls of fine textiles, lucky rain hat and an inexhaustible purse. Whether you are in Japan, Australia, Europe or the States, we all believe in some form of good fortune or luck. |
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