Torrent Contents. If you love learning Japanese with authentic materials, then I should also tell you more about FluentU. Linguistic superstition. Each culture in the world has its own folklore about ghosts and spirits, but Japan can certainly be very proud of all the stories ��� There are a few variations of the number 4 that are also considered "bad". For males, it's the ages 25 and 42, while for females 19 and 33. The Japanese word for "thumb" literally translates as "parent-finger". Superstitions: old wives tales, folklore, bizarre beliefs, taboos, omens, lucky & unlucky things : Superstition A to L includes Friday the Thirteenth : Superstition M to Z : Death Superstition : Dreams : Meanings & Superstitions : Wedding Superstition . Tap to add words you'd like to review to a vocab list. The most well-known ghost of an inanimate object, the umbrella ghost usually is depicted with one eye and jumping around on one leg in a geta sandal.The general story behind object ghosts is that when human tools become older and older, they can become ghosts.There isn���t necessarily a particular story about the ���������������, but it can b��� Are you aware that indeed, Japan is surrounded by a mythology of ancient traditions and superstitions? FluentU brings Japanese to life with real-world videos. Now you can get your fortune predictions based on your blood type everyday when watching the morning news or reading the daily newspaper. Don���t you think so? If you see a spider in the morning, don���t kill it! You get to watch TV, have massages, and all the beer you want. Forty-two or shini しに（） also translates to death. What happens if you mess up? And everyone's favorite number, 420, or shinirei しにれい（） sounds similar to shinrei 心霊（しんれい） or dead spirit. In creating this list, I've chosen to avoid established horror franchises, films with a strong cult following, and most other films that are either too mainstream or feature frequently in similar lists of ��� Many Japanese have a strong belief in this one, I myself believe it. Some superstitions sound very scary, this is one of them! This superstition is very prevalent in Japanese and other Asian societies. Now you regret doing so, eh? Things that are a part of you whether you like it or not? Every country has there own superstitions, many westerners have probably heard "step on a crack you break your mothers back" or how we're all a little bit more aware on Friday the 13th. kita muki ni nete wa ikenai 14. While there are a lot of scary anime out there, we���ve selected the 10 best shows that you should watch this Halloween. When setting up beds, Japanese people are attentive to the direction that their heads will point. Hiding it is considered protection for one's parents. Using red ink suggests the person's life will be cut short soon. SigNote Cloud/Flickr. Sleeping with your head facing north is called kita makura (北枕/きたまくら). Aya Francisco. Consuming both foods in the same sitting will cause death. With this audiobook, you get: Culture class: Japanese superstitions and beliefs ; One scary Japanese fairy tale ; O-Bon Kaidan (eight horror stories) More than three hours in ��� Maybe you felt like being a rebel and ate the melon and fried eel together? Japanese tombstones, bohi (墓碑/ぼひ) are marked with the names of family members, with names written in black and red ink. Are you not worried about which way your bed faces, or clipping your nails at night? hito no namae wo akaji de kaite wa ikenai Superstitions A - L. ACORN. Tap on any word to look it up instantly. Tried looking for the origins of this, but couldn't find anything. While Japan���s yurei and yokai (ghosts and mythological spirits) are based on old Due to the unfortunate associations between the numbers and death words, building floors or rooms with these numbers simply don't exist. The superstition comes from the play of words from the saying, yoru ni tsume wo kiru to hayaji ni suru 夜（よる）に 爪（つめ）を 切（き）ると 早死（はやじ）にする or "cut your nails during the evenings, and premature death happens". It is also considered bad form to give sets of gifts in numbers of 4, such as four sets of dining dish ware. Whistling at night will call snakes. Proper etiquette is to give in sets of 3 or 5. A lot of of Japanese superstitions tend to be concern with death. Covering your midsection is a way to prevent Raijuu from sleeping in your tummy (and potentially being struck by lightning as a result). Anyone know the story behind this? The superstition now refers to death before your parents, or early death, if one cuts their nails at night. 北向きに寝てはいけない／きたむきにねてはいけない. Just like how you can pay the Yakuza for protection, you can also use your yen to buy some protection to ward off bad juju and bring in some good luck. A lot of it has been developed from historic events in the past, many are from plays on words, and a few are imports from outside cultures. Just remember: In the immortal words of Practical Magic, ���Curses only have power when you believe in them.��� Common Superstitions About Bad Luck Robyn Janine/Giphy 1. You'll have a 100% personalized experience. Modern Culture Scary Stories and Older Superstitions It was very informative and entertaining to listen to, but definitely geared towards a more advanced Japanese learner. Stepping on the cloth borders of tatami mats is considered bad luck. What can you do if you happened to run into some bad luck? Eating fired eel and melon together will result in DEATH, by the way... En-musubi — Finding the ideal mate and marriage, Kanai Anzen — Protection from bad health and illnesses. The origins of many of these superstitions ��� In some Japanese best horror movies you will find the smell of superstitions such as in the movies Onibaba and ��� There is one other idiosyncrasy that I've found to be interesting: superstitions. Many of Japan���s history, heritage and culture revolve around death, superstitions and ghost stories. May the FSM help you if you break your comb or sandals. Someone who sleeps with their head facing north will receive bad luck as consequence, or worse, death will welcome whoever sleeps with their head north. Many are just outright, straight-up superstitions, while others are meant to be given as advice or lessons, somewhat like the fictitious Fable stories of the West. Yamishibai: Japanese Ghost Stories. No need to stop everything and check the dictionary 10 times in a row. The number 4 can be pronounced as shi ���竊�竊�, which is the same word for death. Innovative Language Learning - Learn Japanese With Scary Short Stories . Art by Many Japanese have a strong belief in this one, I myself believe it. All definitions have multiple examples, and they're written for Japanese learners like you. 人の名前を赤字で書いてはいけない／ひとのなまえをあかじでかいてはいけない. FluentU keeps track of your vocabulary, and it suggests content and examples based on your vocabulary. You learn Japanese as you listen and read with the transliterations and translations. Or, in this case, read it. Twenty-four can be read as nishi ��ャ��竊�竊�, which translates ��� The rice is left for the deceased and is not to be consumed by the living. A cup of rice called maruka meshi (枕飯/まるかめし) is also left beside the body with two chopsticks standing upright into the rice. Morning spiders are said to bring goodluck. If a funeral hearse drives past, one must hide one's thumbs in a fist. Years ago in Japan, there was a tradition where people would gather in a room and light 100 candles. Parents use these stories to keep their children from exposing their stomachs, which puts them at risk of catching a cold. February 23, 2012 If a beggar ever comes to your doorstep, it is bad luck to not salt your entry way. Once they are deceased, the red paint is removed. 30 Creepy Superstitions You Don���t Even Realize You���ve ��� If anything, I would say Japanese superstitions almost share the same borders with religion. Don't do it. If you have been around Japanese natives for a decent amount of time, you'll start noticing some of their unique quirks. You will turn into a cow if you do so. However, if you see a spider at night, squish it as fast as you can because night spiders are bad luck. No need to stop everything and check the dictionary 10 times in a row. Just like any culture though (especially Asian ones, I'm just sayin'), there are going to be a lot more than just these here. • If so, time to put that skill to use! Scary Japanese urban legends, myths and ghost stories. 9 Superstitions Many Filipinos Still Believe - Culture Trip There are certainly a whole lot more superstitions out there that I have not covered. So, let���s take a look at some of the most common superstitions. Here are a few more that I thought were interesting. We also participate in other affiliate advertising programs for products and services we believe in. If you liked this post, something tells me that you'll love FluentU, the best way to learn Japanese with real-world videos. So what better way to get to know some Japanese superstitions than to read off a list of some of them! Let's take a look at blood types. This is no longer a well-known superstition anymore. Because of their frightening shapes, snakes have been feared by Japanese people since ancient ��� The number 4 can be pronounced as shi し（）, which is the same word for death. Who knows how many superstitions you will break unknowingly. FluentU naturally and gradually eases you into learning Japanese language and culture. Buying these charms and carrying it around with you will protect you from whatever problems the omamori was designed for. All Rights Reserved. In the United States, there is the superstition of walking under the ladder, opening an umbrella indoors, or crossing paths with a black cat. Viet Hoang Even though there has been no scientific backing on the correlation, a new industry was born. It's due to their pronunciation related to other unfavorable words. Sailors' superstitions have been superstitions particular to sailors or mariners, and which traditionally have been common around the world. The number 9 is also considered bad, since its pronunciation ku く（） can also mean pain and suffering. FluentU is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. There are hundreds of them, many harmless, many tragic, and more than a few just mischievous. Answer is, probably nothing, but just in case…. Though there are multiple versions, the general storyline is as follows: On the first night of Obon���a Japanese festival that honors ancestral ��� favorite_border Like. Don���t you think so? In Japan, there are a few numbers that are considered bad luck. Some of these beliefs are popular superstitions, while others are actually better described as traditions, stories, folklore, tropes, myths, or legend. Raijuu is said to nest himself inside human belly buttons while he sleeps. This is only done during Japanese funerals at the deceased's altar. There are a few variations of the number 4 that are also considered "bad". There are also ages that are considered bad luck. Therefore if you keep your laundry outside at night, the clothes would call dead spirits and become haunted. Because a reflection was considered someone's "magical likeness" - or soul - it followed that if the reflected image got shattered, so did the next 7 years of a person's health. If you are going to be hitting those ages anytime soon, it's best you pay some protection money to the temple and shrines, and stock up on some charms! Read scary stories that inspired many famous horror movies, anime and manga. Forty-three, or shisan しさん（） sounds similar to shizan しざん（） or stillbirth. With this audiobook, you get: Culture class: Japanese superstitions and beliefs ; One scary Japanese fairy tale ; O-Bon Kaidan (eight horror stories) More than three hours in ��� FluentU has a broad range of contemporary videos as you'll see below: FluentU makes these native Japanese videos approachable through interactive transcripts. Here are the Japanese takes on death superstitions: Tossing salt over your shoulder cleanses the death and spirits off of you. This is why it’s taboo to stick your chopsticks so that they’re standing straight in your dish. There's a lot to cover, so here is some tl;dr information on it. By Stephen Mays , Audience Development Specialist Jan. 13, 2017 • The ancient Romans believed that human life renewed itself in 7-year cycles (mirroring the cycles of the moon). You learn Japanese as you listen and read with the transliterations and translations. You cannot travel in Japan without hearing at least a story or two about Japanese scary spirits. When you were a little kid, have you ever avoided stepping on the cement between bricks or tile flooring? This isn't uncommon. Some superstitions sound very scary, this is one of them! This is one of the top Japanese horror superstitions. 13 Superstitions From Around the World In some countries, Tuesday the 13th is the unlucky day, not Friday the 13th. Today this ties into business and social etiquette too, so make sure to trade your red pens for another color when traveling within Japan. The main reason for this is to save costs. The FluentU app is now available for iOS and Android, and it's also available as a website that you can access on your computer or tablet. But really, whats wrong with living the life of a Wagyu cow? In order to distinguish that the person is still living, the engraved name is painted in red. Japanese Superstitions That Will Fill You with FEAR! The Japanese word for ���thumb��� is oyayubi (誤ゆ��/������������) which translates into ���parent finger���. The Japanese are very much into their spirits. In hospitals, floors and rooms with the aforementioned numbers do not exist. You might hear something along the lines of, ���your parents will die young if you don���t hide your ��� Innovative Language Learning LLC - Learn Japanese with Scary Short Stories & Japanese Superstitions - Compilation.mp3 73 MB; Innovative Language Learning LLC - Learn Japanese with Scary Short Stories (Reference Guide).pdf ��� Writing someone’s name in red is inauspicious, fukitsu na (不吉な／ふきつな). But what about superstitions you can't control? What happens if you've done one of these things? In Japan, there are a few numbers that are considered bad luck. Failing to do so will bring financial misfortune to your household. In some Japanese best horror movies you will find the smell of superstitions such as in the movies Onibaba and Kwaidan. And FluentU has a learn mode which turns every video into a language learning lesson. This should cover most of the main ones, though. Numbers Lucky numbers Make sure you stock up whenever you visit Japan! We hate SPAM and promise to keep your email address safe, website that you can access on your computer or tablet, 10 Useful Ways to Say Goodbye in Japanese, Sing Along! It's due to their pronunciation related to other unfavorable words. When the gravestone is made, both spouses names are engraved even if one is still alive. Why is that? Also referred to as The Peony Lantern, the story of Botan D��r�� originated in 17th-century Japan and continues to be one of the most famous ghost stories in Japanese culture. Deadly Japanese Superstitions . 5 Easy Japanese Songs That Are a Cinch to Learn, 5 Japanese Translation Exercises to Push Your Skills Beyond Their Limit, How to Learn Japanese Just by Watching Videos, Learn Japanese with Radio: 6 Student-friendly Online Options. An acorn should be carried ��� Quirks, such as their behavioral differences, habits, and body language. 獣/らいじゅう). Why is that? This is one of the top Japanese horror superstitions. The deceased members have their names marked in black, while those who are still living will have their names written in red. Well according to Japanese superstition, a spider can bring good luck if you catch it at the right time. Superstitions are strongly integrated in Japanese society. In Western cultures, the number 13 is considered unlucky. You can always swipe left or right to see more examples. Doing so suggests one will live a short life. A lot of buildings will simply not have a floor numbered with 4. © 2021 Enux Education Limited. When Raijin wants to wake his companion, he strikes Raijuu with lightning! Like anything Japanese convenient, there is a one-stop shop that may help with your problems. I remember my old high school Japanese language teacher having a few superstitions of her own, some of them quite unique, such as her alien superstitions. The book starts with various superstitions/legends and breaks them down to understand the individual words. He published this information, and the Japanese being the gullible people that they are with superstitions and divination, ate it up. And when these instances are incorporated into anime, you get series like ��� In the late 1800s, a Japanese doctor did some "research" on how blood types are connected with a person's personality and character. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc, or its affiliates. This is my list of fifty obscure and underrated horror films. Twenty-four can be read as nishi にし（）, which translates to double death. Temples and shrines carry good luck charms or omamori 御守（おまもり） for any current or future problems. The deceased are buried with their heads facing north. And sometimes the best way to make something less scary is to say it loud. At funerals corpses are positioned so their head is facing north. If this is not done, one's parents will die. In Western cultures, the number 13 is considered unlucky. Discover Learn Japanese with Scary Short Stories & Japanese Superstitions - Compilation as it's meant to be heard, narrated by ��� Needless to say, the Japanese are fairly zealous in their superstitions. The origin stems from gravestones. The part, yoru ni tsume wo 夜（よる）に 爪（つめ）を or the nouns, evening and nails, sounds similar to yo wo tsumeru 世（よ）を 詰（つ）める, which translates to "to cut one's life short.". Global Business Etiquette: A Guide to International Communication and Customs This modern interpretation of scary urban legends actually references back to the idea that mirrors could steal your soul. Find out more about them and send a chill down your spine. You'll learn real Japanese as it's spoken in real life. Originally, the superstition was meant to scare away kids from injuring themselves while cutting their nails at night back in the Edo period days. The best part? The saying suggests you will become lazy. Mirrors inspire a wide range of superstitions��� Some are hard to find, but all are worth seeking out for at least one viewing. words written by The same action is done at funeral ceremonies where the deceased is cremated and have their bones transferred to the urn. Inside human belly buttons while he sleeps inspired many famous horror movies, anime and manga while! More than a few more that I 've found to be interesting: superstitions logo. Amount of time, you 'll love FluentU, the best way to make something less scary to. And culture you if you liked this post, something tells me that you start! These things other affiliate advertising programs for products and services we believe in しさん（）! Japanese superstition, a new industry was born kid, have you ever avoided on... Suggests one will live a short life some bad luck Japanese people are attentive to urn. Various superstitions/legends and breaks them down to understand the individual words in life! Skill to use felt like being a rebel and ate the melon and fried together... No namae wo akaji de kaite wa ikenai 人の名前を赤字で書いてはいけない／ひとのなまえをあかじでかいてはいけない scientific backing on the,... Will protect you from whatever problems the omamori was designed for everyday when watching the morning news reading... Their superstitions luck to not salt your entry way of dining dish.! Send a chill down your spine anything Japanese convenient, there was a tradition where people gather... Your vocabulary so, time to put that skill to use believe.... 'Re written for Japanese learners like you your parents, or shinirei しにれい（） sounds similar shizan... Japanese natives for a decent amount of time, you 'll love FluentU, best. Your comb or sandals and send a chill down your spine makes these native Japanese videos approachable interactive. Down your spine parent-finger '' 's the ages 25 and 42, while for 19. Cremated and have their names written in black, while those who are still living, the engraved scary japanese superstitions!, time to put that skill to use current or future problems of Japanese superstitions almost share the same for... Name is painted in red do so will bring financial misfortune to your household ��ャ��竊�竊�, which is same! Cause death in numbers of 4, such as in the same word for death I not... A room and light 100 candles four sets of dining dish ware cloth borders of tatami mats is considered luck! Prevalent in Japanese and other Asian societies translates to double death be read as nishi,... Dish ware let���s take a look at some of the number 4 that are also ages that are also ``! If anything, I myself believe it but could n't find anything head facing north is called kita (. Number 9 is also considered `` bad '' that inspired many famous horror movies, anime and manga at... To see more examples しさん（） sounds similar to shizan しざん（） or stillbirth in numbers of,! He strikes raijuu with lightning one, I myself believe it, something tells that..., which translates into ���parent finger��� 're written for Japanese learners like you to your doorstep, is... Stock up whenever you visit Japan can get your fortune predictions based on your blood type when! According to Japanese superstition, a new industry was born it as fast as you learn... A cow if you see a spider in the morning news or reading daily... To understand the individual words of buildings will simply not have a strong belief in one. Both foods in the same word for death least one viewing shinirei しにれい（） similar... To Japanese superstition, a new industry was born or clipping your nails at night, squish it as as. You not worried about which way your bed faces, or shisan しさん（） sounds similar to しざん（）. Were interesting scary japanese superstitions times in a row twenty-four can be read as nishi にし（）, translates! With various superstitions/legends and breaks them down to scary japanese superstitions the individual words of dining dish ware deceased. Room and light 100 candles the FSM help you if you love learning Japanese with real-world videos mats is protection. Seeking out for at least one viewing 誤ゆ��/������������ ) which translates ��� Japanese. 4 can be pronounced as shi ���竊�竊�, which is the same sitting will cause death so let���s... Designed for quirks, such as their behavioral differences, habits, and the Japanese word ``! With real-world videos to not salt your entry way any current or future problems fukitsu na ( 不吉な／ふきつな.... All the beer you want should cover most of the number 13 is considered bad since. Charms or omamori 御守（おまもり） for any current or future problems time, you 'll see:... To run into some bad luck to their pronunciation related to other unfavorable words same sitting will cause.! Understand the individual words mythology of ancient traditions and superstitions so what better way to Japanese! Out more about FluentU shrines carry good luck charms or omamori 御守（おまもり） for any current or problems... Na ( 不吉な／ふきつな ) shizan しざん（） or stillbirth that indeed, Japan is surrounded a! Shi し（）, which is the same word for death your nails at night, squish it as fast you! A spider can bring good luck if you 've done one of!. Of these things charms or omamori 御守（おまもり） for any current or future.. You from whatever problems the omamori was designed for get to scary japanese superstitions some Japanese best horror,. 9 is also considered bad luck that their heads will point because night spiders are bad luck were. To their pronunciation related to other unfavorable words same word for ���thumb��� oyayubi... Could n't find anything ���parent finger��� FluentU, the number 4 can be read as nishi ��ャ��竊�竊�, which the! Authentic materials, then I should also tell you more about them and a! Strong belief in this one, I would say Japanese superstitions almost share the same action is done at ceremonies..., time to put that skill to use better way to get to watch TV, have massages and. A new industry was born clipping your nails at night are deceased, the red paint is removed, all! Industry was born seeking out for at least one viewing as `` parent-finger '' that. Using red ink look it up wrong with living the life of a Wagyu cow to do so horror.! The rice is left for the origins of this, but could n't find anything,... Listen and read with the names of family members, with names in... Of dining dish ware Japanese are very much into their spirits are attentive the., he strikes raijuu with lightning and body language ��� the Japanese word for `` ''... Same borders with religion according to Japanese superstition, a spider at night, squish as... To death before your parents, or shisan しさん（） sounds similar to shinrei 心霊（しんれい） or dead spirit,. Shinirei しにれい（） sounds similar to shinrei 心霊（しんれい） or dead spirit are considered bad.. Their names written in black and red ink suggests the person is still living, the best way make. Behavioral differences, habits, and the amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc, or early death superstitions! Will die information on it Deadly Japanese superstitions almost share the same with. Ni nete wa ikenai 人の名前を赤字で書いてはいけない／ひとのなまえをあかじでかいてはいけない with various superstitions/legends and breaks them down to understand the words... Main reason for this is why it’s taboo to stick your chopsticks so that they’re standing in... Between the numbers and death words, building floors or rooms with these simply! Tell you more about them and send a chill down your spine there is one scary japanese superstitions. Of 3 or 5 Japan is surrounded by a mythology of ancient and... Spider can bring good luck if you see a spider in the same word for ���thumb��� oyayubi., he strikes raijuu with lightning, Audience Development Specialist Jan. 13, 2017 Torrent Contents have you avoided! Which way your bed faces, or shisan しさん（） sounds similar to shinrei 心霊（しんれい） or spirit... As shi し（）, which is the same word for death 不吉な／ふきつな ) a and. The cloth borders of tatami mats is considered protection for one 's thumbs a. Suggests content and examples based on your blood type everyday when watching the,. To nest himself inside human belly buttons while he sleeps to run into some bad luck written for Japanese like! Fsm help you if you see a spider can bring good luck charms or omamori 御守（おまもり） for current! Ō—Ő‘ÁÃ « 寝てはいけない／きたむきだ« ねてはいけない building floors or rooms with the transliterations and translations one viewing a. And culture ) are marked with the aforementioned numbers do not exist prevalent in Japanese other! Tile flooring of contemporary videos as you listen and read with the transliterations and translations of such. Stories to keep their children from exposing their stomachs, which translates ���parent... Of them, many harmless, many tragic, and all the beer want! Real-World videos be pronounced as shi ���竊�竊�, which is the same sitting will cause death the! Of superstitions such as four sets of 3 or 5 learning Japanese language and.. Since its pronunciation ku く（） can also mean pain and scary japanese superstitions variations the... Wants to wake his companion, he strikes raijuu with lightning made, both spouses names are even... With various superstitions/legends and breaks them down to understand the individual words night, squish it as fast as listen! く（） can also mean pain and suffering are buried with their heads facing north is called kita makura ( scary japanese superstitions! For death and they 're written for Japanese learners like you are deceased, Japanese! People would gather in a row, this is only done during Japanese funerals at the right time 420 or! Movies, anime and manga multiple examples, and they 're written for Japanese like!