The number seven has been a part of Japanese culture for centuries. It is believed that the number seven was first associated with luck in Japan during the Heian period (794-1185). During this time, the number seven was used to represent the seven gods of fortune and good luck. This belief was further solidified when Emperor Saga declared that the seventh day of the seventh month be a holiday, known as Tanabata, which is still celebrated today.
7 in Japanese Culture and Religion:
The number seven has been an important part of Japanese culture and religion for centuries. In Shintoism, the religion native to Japan, there are seven gods of fortune and good luck. These gods are believed to bring prosperity and success to those who honor them. The number seven also plays a role in Buddhism, as it is believed that there are seven paths to enlightenment. Additionally, many Buddhist temples have seven levels or steps leading up to them, which symbolize these paths.
Why is 7 Lucky?
The exact reason why the number seven is considered lucky in Japan is not clear, but there are several theories as to why this may be so. One theory suggests that it is due to its association with gods of fortune and good luck in Shintoism and Buddhism. Others suggest that it may be because it is seen as a perfect number – one which cannot be divided by any other numbers – thus making it more likely to bring good luck than other numbers.
Examples of Lucky 7 in Japan:
The number seven can be found throughout Japanese culture, from festivals and holidays to everyday life. For example, Tanabata (the Star Festival) takes place on July 7th every year; it celebrates two stars – Altair and Vega – who were separated by the Milky Way but were allowed one day each year (July 7th) to meet again across the river of stars. Additionally, many Japanese people choose their wedding date based on which date contains multiple “lucky” numbers such as 7-7-7 or 8-8-8 (which both contain three “lucky” numbers).
Superstitions Surrounding the Number 7 in Japan:
In addition to being seen as a lucky number overall, there are also superstitions surrounding specific combinations of numbers containing the digit “7” in Japan. For example, 77 or 777 are seen as particularly lucky numbers while 77 or 777 can bring bad luck if they appear at certain times or places (such as on an exam). Additionally, some people believe that if you give someone a gift containing three “7s” (such as 777 yen), then you will receive good luck from them in return!
Cultural Significance of the Number 7 in Japan Today:
Today, the number seven continues to play an important role in Japanese culture and society. It is still seen as a lucky number overall and can be found throughout everyday life from festivals and holidays to gifts and superstitions surrounding specific combinations of numbers containing “7”s. Additionally, many businesses use “lucky” numbers such as 77 or 777 when naming their products or services in order to attract customers who believe these numbers will bring them good luck!
Conclusion: Why is 7 Lucky in Japan?
In conclusion, it can be said that the number seven holds special significance in Japan due its long history associated with gods of fortune and good luck as well as its perfect nature making it more likely than other numbers to bring success and prosperity. Additionally, it continues to play an important role today with festivals celebrating its symbolism along with superstitions surrounding specific combinations containing “7”s being passed down through generations. All these factors combined make it easy understand why this special digit remains so lucky for so many people!
Sources/References:
1) “Why Is Seven Considered Lucky In Japan?” Nippon News Network – NNN https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/backstories/935/
2) “Tanabata Festival.” JNTO https://www2.jnto.go.jp/eng/spot/festival/tanabata_festival_01_e1_01_e1_01_e1_01_e1_01_e1_.html
3) “Seven Gods Of Fortune.” JAPANVISITOR https://www2japanvisitorcom/japanese-culture/seven-gods-of-fortune
Why 7 is the luckiest number?
Biblical grammarians say that God created the world in six days and rested on the seventh day. For this reason the number 7 exemplifies the fullness of the entire Bible. There are seven heavens in Islam and Judaism.
Is 7 lucky or unlucky in Japan?
The lucky number 7 is an important number in Buddhism and is also considered lucky. It is considered a lucky number because of its shape.
What is the holy number in Japan?
For the Japanese the number eight has been sacred since ancient times. They believe that numbers have special powers.
Is 7 lucky in Korea?
Coincidence or not Korea also has a lucky number like 7 which is believed to bring good luck and is widely ignored as a bad number.
Why is 7 a sacred number?
Seven are symbolic in the culture and literature of the Near East and ancient Israel. It means the sense of completeness or perfection (seven is written with the same consonant as the word full). We are talking about seven widespread examples occurring in the Bible.
Why is there no 4th floor in Japan?
Because the number four is considered so largely unlucky you will find many examples of this fear in everyday life in almost every East Asian culture. You never want to rate something a four (try a three or a five). Elevators often leave the fourth floor.