Introduction
Japan is a country steeped in rich history and culture, filled with fascinating customs and traditions. One of the most intriguing aspects of Japanese culture is the significance placed on the number seven. From lucky charms and festivals to superstitions and myths, the number seven holds great importance in Japanese society. In this article, we will explore the reasons why the number 7 is so important in Japan.
The Origin of Seven
The number 7 has been considered lucky in many cultures for centuries, and Japan is no exception. It is believed that the origin of seven’s importance in Japan dates back to ancient times when people believed that there were seven gods who controlled different aspects of life, such as wealth, wisdom, and love.
The Seven Lucky Gods
In Japanese mythology, there are seven gods known as Shichifukujin or Seven Lucky Gods. Each god represents different aspects of prosperity and happiness. It is said that if you pray to all seven gods, you will receive blessings in all areas of life.
Seven Wonders of Japan
Japan has its list of Seven Wonders, which includes both natural and human-made wonders that showcase the beauty and diversity of Japan. These wonders include Mount Fuji, Himeji Castle, Itsukushima Shrine, Kiyomizu Temple, Todai-ji Temple, Nachi Falls, and Kasuga Taisha.
The Seven Flames of Buddhism
Buddhism is one of the major religions in Japan. It is believed that Buddha’s teachings are contained within the Seven Flames of Buddhism. These flames represent different stages of enlightenment that a person must go through to achieve Nirvana.
Seven Days of Mourning
In Japan, when someone dies, their family members mourn for seven days. During this period, they prepare for the funeral and offer prayers for their loved one’s soul. On the seventh day after death, a memorial service is held to honor the deceased.
Seven-Five-Three Festival
The Seven-Five-Three Festival is a traditional celebration held every November 15th in Japan. Children who are three, five, or seven years old dress up in traditional clothing and visit shrines to pray for good health and a long life.
Seven Treasures
In Buddhism, there are Seven Treasures that represent different qualities that a person should strive for in their life. These treasures include faith, generosity, mindfulness, wisdom, discipline, patience, and perseverance.
Superstitions Surrounding Seven
In Japan, many superstitions surround the number seven. For example, it is believed that if you dream of the number seven or see it repeatedly throughout your day, something lucky will happen to you.
Seven Samurai
The Seven Samurai is a classic Japanese movie directed by Akira Kurosawa. The plot revolves around a group of samurai who are hired to protect a village from bandits. This movie has become iconic in Japanese culture and has inspired countless other works of art.
Seven Bridges Challenge
The Seven Bridges Challenge is an annual marathon held in Tokyo every February. The course takes runners over seven bridges while showcasing some of Tokyo’s most famous landmarks.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the number 7 holds great significance in Japan due to its deep-rooted cultural beliefs and traditions. From lucky gods and festivals to superstitions and movies, seven has become an integral part of Japanese society. Understanding the importance of seven can give us a glimpse into Japan’s rich history and culture.
What does number 7 symbolize for Japanese?
Similar to many other nations, Japan views the number seven as a symbol of luck. However, this belief is not derived from external influences but instead is deeply rooted in the country’s religious customs.
What is the sacred number in Japan?
The number 7 holds significance in Buddhism and is also believed to bring good luck. Similarly, the number 8 is considered lucky because of its shape.
Why is 7 a lucky number?
According to religious scholars, the Bible states that God created the world in six days and rested on the seventh. This has led to the number seven being used to represent completeness in the Bible. Similarly, in Islam and Judaism, it is believed that there are seven heavens.
What number is superstition in Japan?
In Japan, the numbers four and nine are considered unlucky due to their pronunciation. The word for four is pronounced “shi,” which is the same as the word for death. Similarly, the word for nine is pronounced “ku,” which is similar to the words for agony or torture. Because of this, some places like hospitals and apartments avoid using the numbers “4” or “9” in their room numbering system.
Why is the number 7 so special?
Seven is the only prime number that comes before a cube. As one of the first prime numbers in the series of whole numbers, seven has significant symbolic meaning in religion, mythology, superstition, and philosophy. The seven Classical planets led to the establishment of a seven-day week.
What are the 7 Japanese gods?
The Shichifukujin are the Seven Lucky Gods of Japan, including Hotei, Fukurokuji, Jurojin, Ebisu, Daikoku, Benzaiten, and Bishamonten. This group of gods is considered fortunate and revered in Japanese culture.
Seven Types of Japanese Cuisine
Japanese cuisine is known for its diversity and unique flavors. There are seven types of Japanese cuisine, which are sushi, tempura, teppanyaki, yakitori, ramen, soba, and udon. Each type of cuisine has its unique preparation and ingredients.
The Seven Colors of the Rainbow
In Japan, the rainbow is believed to have seven colors: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet. These colors are often used in art and design and are considered symbolic of good luck and happiness.
Seven-Fifty
In Japan, Seven-Fifty is a chain of liquor stores that sells a wide variety of alcoholic beverages. The name Seven-Fifty comes from the price of a standard bottle of sake, which is 750 yen.
Seven-Starred Ladybugs
In Japan, the seven-starred ladybug is considered a symbol of good luck and fortune. It is believed that if a ladybug lands on you or your belongings, you will have good luck for the rest of the day.
Seven-League Boots
Seven-league boots are a mythical item in Japanese folklore that allows the wearer to travel great distances with each step. The boots are said to cover seven leagues with every stride, making them a popular item in stories and legends.
Seven-Branched Sword
The Seven-Branched Sword is a legendary sword that is said to have been presented to the Japanese emperor by a Korean king in the 4th century. The sword is now considered a national treasure of Japan and is on display at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo.
Seven-Eleven Convenience Stores
Seven-Eleven is a popular chain of convenience stores in Japan that are open 24 hours a day. The name comes from the store’s original hours of operation: 7 am to 11 pm. The stores are known for their wide selection of food and drink items, including bento boxes and onigiri.
