Japanese symbols of happiness

The Japanese are now known for their technology and penchant for manga and anime (sometimes very strange). During the Second World War they stood on the wrong side and committed many crimes, but they have changed a lot since then.

The history of this country is very rich and long. At school, do not learn much about this region of the world, which is a pity because it is very interesting and filled with various beliefs. Knowledge should be acquired on your own. Eastern culture is increasingly attracting Europeans.

In Japan, as throughout the world, attempts were made to help happiness with the help of various talismans. Below we present the most famous and widespread Japanese symbols of luck.

1. Maneki-neko cat

The most famous Japanese symbol of luck is Maneki-neko, which should be translated from Japanese as “inviting cat”. It is nothing more than a figurine of a cat in a sitting pose with a raised paw (usually the left one). It is to be an inviting gesture to enter.

They are set at the entrances to shops, restaurants or even brothels. Also points with fate chose this figure as an obligatory element of decor. N Normally people do not put leading businesses figurines Maneki Neko at the entrance to drag prosperity and stop the evil.

Cats in Japan are considered a symbol of good luck. This type of look at these animals has been in force since the Edo period of 1603.

The prototype for the figurines is a Japanese bobtail . Three-colored cats are born rarely and they symbolize the greatest dose of happiness. Talismans and Maneki-neko figurines are often depicted in a red shawl / collar with a golden bell or badge, on which the cat is engraved with the name which cat should attract e.g. money.

We mentioned that figurines meet with the left or right paw raised. The difference is that the left paw up will invite guests, while the right will ensure happiness. The higher the cat has its paw raised, the more guests or happiness a given restaurant / house will have. The color of the figurine has different meanings:

• Tricolor – provides the most fortunate of all

• Red -stripped disease

• Pink – provides admirers

• White – symbolizes purity and innocence

• Black – scares away demons

Maneki-neko is often found in Japanese manga (comics) and anime (animated series). It is worth noting that this is also a popular symbol in China and India .

2. Tsuru – Japanese crane

The second symbol we will mention is the crane. Its symbolism goes beyond happiness and touches loyalty , wisdom and longevity. This is the messenger of the good news. In Japanese legends, Tsuru lives to be a thousand years old, and when one lives up to two thousand turns into black.

Tsuru is a common origami motif, they are used min. at weddings as a divination of a stable relationship. Assembling a thousand cranes will fulfill your wish.

One can also quote the story of Sadako Sasaki , a girl who suffered from radiation sickness as a result of the atomic attack on Hiroshima. The girl, according to tradition, wanted to create a thousand cranes, however, she made 644 and died.

After her death, classmates from the trained class finished another 356 to honor her. In order to commemorate the fortitude of the young Japanese girl, a monument to a girl was erected in the Peace Park. It is a symbol of steadfastness and hope that a similar tragedy will never happen again.

3. Daruma

It is a traditional Japanese doll , empty without any limbs inside, a typical “stand up “. The doll is modeled on the B odhidharma creator of Zen Buddhism , comes in various sizes.

It presents in a caricatured way, but in accordance with legends, the bearded Dharma. He was to lose his arms and legs during many years of meditation. His facial expression is stubborn, he expresses determination and the will to overcome everyday hardships. In addition, it is associated with health, prosperity and happiness, because every time it falls, it arises.

Daruma during the Edo period was considered a saint protecting against smallpox and other infectious diseases. Like the Maneki-neko, the color of the doll is important:

• Green – good health

• Pink – love

• Black – protection against evil

• Red – protection against diseases

• White – purity of mind

• Gold – success in finance

An interesting fact is that the dolls are usually bought without pupils painted, the paint is an important day for themselves. Japanese often use Daruma dolls for prosaic matters, such as passing an exam or finding a job.

4. Kokeshi

This is a traditional doll without limbs made of wood. This talisman is to advocate for harvest and fertility, one on average is relative to the other, but tradition is tradition. The original meaning of these dolls is completely different and not having much to do with happiness, if you are interested in this topic in a broader discussion, we invite you to a separate entry about Kokeshi .

We give symbolism to many things, regardless of the cultures we live in. As you can see, even geographically and culturally far from our point of view, Japan has its symbols of happiness. They differ significantly from ours, but does such a crane have a meaning very close to the one we attribute to storks?

The interpenetration of cultures and globalization mean that the symbolism is very mixed up, but such small elements of cultures are very interesting and broaden the horizons. In this post it would be enough, we can do nothing but wish you luck!