Introduction
In Japanese culture, numbers have a significant impact on people’s lives. The Japanese believe that some numbers are considered lucky, and others are unlucky. Lucky numbers play a crucial role in their everyday life, especially in business, weddings, and other celebrations.
The Lucky Numbers in Japan
The number 7 is the luckiest number in Japan. It is believed to bring good luck and fortune. The reason for this belief is that there are seven gods of fortune in Japanese mythology. The number 8 is also considered lucky because it sounds like the word for “prosperity” in Japanese.
The Unlucky Numbers in Japan
The number 4 is considered unlucky in Japan because it sounds like the word for “death” in Japanese. Therefore, it is avoided at all costs, especially in hospitals and hotels, where the fourth floor does not exist.
Business and Lucky Numbers
In business, the selection of phone numbers, license plate numbers, and even office addresses are based on lucky numbers. For instance, phone numbers with many 8s are highly desirable because they represent prosperity.
Weddings and Lucky Numbers
In Japanese weddings, gifts are given in multiples of five or seven to bring good luck to the newlyweds. The number 9 is also considered a lucky number for weddings because it represents longevity.
Lucky Numbers for New Year’s Day
On New Year’s Day, the Japanese eat a special soup called “ozoni,” which contains mochi (rice cake). The mochi must be cut into odd numbers because even numbers are considered unlucky.
Lucky Charms and Talismans
Japanese people also carry lucky charms or talismans called “omamori.” These charms are sold at shrines and temples and are believed to bring good luck in different areas of life.
The Number 13
Unlike in Western cultures, the number 13 is not considered unlucky in Japan. It is a neutral number without any significant cultural significance.
Superstitions
Japanese people avoid cutting their nails at night because it is believed that it will bring bad luck. They also avoid sleeping with their head facing north because it is believed to bring misfortune.
Unlucky Days
In Japanese culture, there are several unlucky days, including the 4th, 9th, 14th, 19th, and 24th of every month. On these days, people avoid doing anything important or making important decisions.
Conclusion
In conclusion, lucky numbers play an essential role in Japanese culture. They are used in everyday life, such as phone numbers, wedding gifts, and even soup on New Year’s Day. Understanding the significance of these numbers is crucial for anyone doing business or celebrating events in Japan.
Is number 3 lucky in Japan?
Japanese culture has a tendency towards superstition, and certain phenomena are attributed to these beliefs. For example, lucky numbers hold significance in Japan, with the number 3 being widely considered as one of them.
Is 7 lucky or unlucky in Japan?
The number 7 is significant in Buddhism and is also associated with good luck. The number 8 is considered lucky because of its unique shape.
Is 9 a lucky number in Japan?
In Japan, the number 9 is considered unlucky as it sounds like the word for “suffering” when spoken. Therefore, a price of $9.99, which is commonly used in the West, would be viewed negatively in Japan.
What is the Japanese sacred number?
The number eight has been considered sacred to Japanese people for centuries, with beliefs in its mystical powers dating back to ancient times.
What is Korea’s lucky number?
Like many Asian cultures, certain numbers are believed to bring good fortune and success in Korea. Numbers such as 8, 9, and 3 are considered lucky.
Is 7 a lucky number in Korea?
In Korea, there are numbers that are considered lucky, such as 7, that are thought to bring good fortune, and numbers that are avoided, such as 4, which are believed to be unlucky. This may be a coincidence or it may not be.
Numbers in Japanese Folklore
In addition to lucky and unlucky numbers, there are other numbers that hold significance in Japanese folklore. For example, the number 3 is considered a sacred number in Japan because many of their deities come in threes. Another example is the number 6, which is believed to be a lucky number for business partnerships and relationships.
Number Symbolism in Japanese Art
Number symbolism also plays an important role in Japanese art. For instance, traditional Japanese paintings often feature specific numbers of objects or creatures to convey a particular message. One famous example is the “One Hundred Famous Views of Edo,” a series of woodblock prints by Japanese artist Hiroshige. Each print features a different number of cranes, boats, or cherry blossom trees to represent different meanings.
The Role of Numbers in Japanese Language
Numbers also play a significant role in the Japanese language. Unlike English, where numbers are written with Arabic numerals, Japanese uses a combination of Chinese characters (kanji) and native Japanese numerals. Additionally, there are different counters for different types of objects, such as animals or flat objects.
Conclusion
Overall, numbers have a rich cultural significance in Japan beyond just lucky and unlucky numbers. They are intertwined with folklore, art, and language and play a crucial role in everyday life. Understanding the meaning behind these numbers can help bridge cultural differences and deepen our appreciation for Japanese culture.
