1. Introduction
The Japanese culture has many superstitions, beliefs and customs that have been passed down through generations. One of the most well-known superstitions is the belief that certain ages are considered unlucky. In Japan, the number 4 is considered to be an unlucky age. This superstition has been around for centuries and is still observed today in many parts of Japanese culture. In this article, we will discuss what an unlucky age in Japan is, the history behind it, how it impacts Japanese culture and beliefs associated with it.
2. What is the Unlucky Age in Japan?
In Japan, the number 4 is considered to be an unlucky age and is known as yon-sai (四歳). The belief behind this superstition dates back to ancient times when people believed that bad luck would come to anyone who reached the age of four. This superstition has been passed down through generations and still exists in some parts of modern day Japan.
3. The History of the Unlucky Age in Japan
The origin of this superstition dates back to ancient times when people believed that bad luck would come to anyone who reached the age of four. It was believed that at this age children were more susceptible to sickness and misfortune as they were transitioning from infancy into childhood. As a result, parents would often take extra precautions such as avoiding traveling or engaging in activities during their child’s fourth year of life.
4. How Does the Unlucky Age Impact Japanese Culture?
Today, this superstition still exists in some parts of modern-day Japan and can be seen in various aspects of daily life such as avoiding scheduling important events on days with a 4 or 44 in them (e.g., April 4th). Additionally, many parents will take extra precautions such as not taking their children out on days when they turn four years old or avoiding traveling during their child’s fourth year of life.
5. Superstitions and Beliefs Around the Unlucky Age in Japan
There are various superstitions and beliefs around yon-sai that are still observed today by many Japanese people including:
• Avoiding planning important events on days with a 4 or 44 (e.g., April 4th)
• Not taking children out on days when they turn four years old
• Avoiding traveling during a child’s fourth year of life
• Not giving presents or money on days with a 4 or 44
• Not celebrating birthdays on days with a 4 or 44
• Not using certain words related to death such as “die” or “death”
• Avoiding wearing black clothing on days with a 4 or 44
6. Cultural Significance of the Number 4 in Japan
The number four has long been associated with death due to its phonetic similarity to “shi” which means death in Japanese language (四歳). Additionally, there are various other cultural associations related to death such as avoiding sitting at tables with four legs because it symbolizes death (四脚机). As a result, many people believe that turning four years old is an unlucky age due to these associations with death and misfortune which have been passed down through generations over time.
7 Celebrations to Welcome a Child’s Unlucky Age
Although turning four years old is considered an unlucky age by some people, there are also celebrations held by others which aim at welcoming this new stage for children rather than fearing it due to its association with bad luck and misfortune.These celebrations usually involve inviting family members over for dinner parties where special dishes are served such as buckwheat noodles (soba) which represent longevity due its long shape resembling long life.Other activities may include playing traditional games such as hanetsuki (Japanese battledore) which symbolizes protection against evil spirits.These celebrations serve both practical purposes such as preparing children for their upcoming transition into adulthood while also providing an opportunity for families to come together and celebrate their child’s growth.
8 Conclusion
> In conclusion,turning four years old is considered an unlucky age by some people but there are also those who celebrate it rather than fear it due its association with bad luck.Regardless,understanding why this superstition exists can help us appreciate how deeply rooted certain customs can be within cultures even after centuries have passed.
9 Sources -Tokoyama,Charles R.”What Is An Unlucky Age In Japan ? “Japan Insiders,2020,https ://www.japaninsiders.com / what -is -an -unlucky -age -in -japan /.-” Yon Sai : The Fourth Year Of Life.” Nippon.com,2020,https :// www.nippon.com / en / features / h00048 /.-” Hanetsuki.” Wikipedia,Wikimedia Foundation,1 Aug.2020,https ://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hanetsuki
What is Japanese unlucky year?
In Japan if you are a woman and you are 19 33 or 37 you are in Yakudoshi (unlucky year). Yakudoshi age for men is 25 42 or 60 years. So if you are in any of these age groups then you can stop reading now and pout.
Is 4 considered unlucky in Japan?
Death Agony Four is an unlucky number in Japan because it sounds like sh (死 – death). Therefore the number four has two pronunciations which are harmony and luck. People avoid dithering whenever possible.
Is 9 unlucky in Japan?
Many businesses hang numbers above their doors. But the number 9 is an unlucky number especially in Japan and the $999 price tag is generally viewed negatively in the West because it sounds like a pain to say out loud.
What is the unluckiest number in Japan?
Because the number 4 is considered unlucky on such a wide scale you see many examples of this fear in everyday life throughout East Asian cultures. You never want to rate something out of four (try three or five). The elevators on the 4th floor are often broken.
Why is 42 unlucky in Japan?
In cars and racing the number 42 that sounds like Shini (death – death) and the number 49 that sounds like sik (death – painful death) should be avoided. When you give gifts like dishes they are usually in groups of 3 or 5 and not 4. The number 9 has the same pronunciation of suffering and torture at times.
What is the most unlucky day?
According to Western superstition Friday the 13th is an unlucky day. Occurs when the 13th of the month falls on a Gregorian Friday and occurs at least once a year but can occur up to three times a year.
