Japanese number seven

Seven seems to be a universally lucky or sacred number. There are many terms that include the number seven: the seven wonders of the world, the seven deadly sins , the seven virtues, the seven seas, the seven days of the week , the seven colors of the spectrum, the seven dwarfs, etc. “The 7 Samurai (Shichi-nin no Samurai)” is a classic Japanese film directed by Akira Kurosawa, which received a remake in his version of “The Magnificent 7.” Buddhists believe in seven reincarnations. The Japanese celebrate the seventh day after a baby is born and mourn the seventh day and the seventh week after the death.

Unlucky japanese numbers

It seems that all cultures have lucky numbers and unlucky numbers. In Japan, four and nine are considered unlucky numbers due to their pronunciation. Four is pronounced “shi,” which is the same pronunciation as death. Nine is pronounced “ku,” which has the same pronunciation as agony or torture. In fact, some hospitals and apartments do not have rooms numbered “4” or “9”. Some vehicle identification numbers are restricted on Japanese license plates unless someone requests them. For example, 42 and 49 at the end of the plates, as they are linked to the words “death (shini 死に)” and “run over (shiku 轢く)”. The entire sequences 42-19 (go to death 死に行く) and 42-56 (time to die 死に頃) are also restricted.

Shichi-fuku-jin

The Shichi-fuku-jin (七福神) are the Seven Lucky Gods in Japanese folklore. They are positive deities, often depicted riding together in a treasure ship (takarabune). They carry various magical items such as an invisible hat, brocade scrolls, an inexhaustible bag, a lucky rain hat, feathered robes, keys to the divine treasure house, and important books and scrolls. Here are the names and characteristics of the Shichi-fuku-jin. 

• Daikoku (大黒) – The god of wealth and farmers. He holds a large bag full of treasures on his shoulder and an uchideno-kozuchi (lucky mallet) in his hand.
• Bishamon (毘沙門) – The god of war and warriors. He wears armor, a helmet, and is armed with a sword.
• Ebisu (恵比寿) – The god of fishermen and wealth. He is holding a large red tai (bream) and a fishing rod.
• Fukurokuju (福禄寿) – The god of longevity. He has an elongated bald head and a white beard.
• Juroujin (寿老人) – Another god of longevity. He wears a long white beard and a scholar’s cap, and is often accompanied by a deer, who is his messenger.
• Hotei (布袋) – The god of happiness. He has a jovial face and a big fat belly.
• Benzaiten (弁財天) – The goddess of music. He carries a biwa (Japanese mandolin).

Nanakusa

Nanakusa (七草） means “seven herbs”. In Japan, it is customary to eat nanakusa-gayu (seven herb rice dish) on January 7. These seven herbs are called “haru no nanakusa (seven spring herbs)” These herbs are said to remove evil from the body and prevent disease.In addition, people tend to eat and drink too much New Year’s Day , making it an ideal healthy light meal that contains plenty of vitamins. There are also “aki no nanakusa (seven autumn herbs)”, but they are not usually eaten, but used as decorations to celebrate the week of the autumnal equinox or the full moon in September.

• Haru no nanakusa (春の七草) – Seri (Japanese parsley), Nazuna (shepherd’s bag), Gogyou, Hakobera (chicken), Hotokenoza, Suzuna, Suzushiro
• Aki no nanakusa (秋の七草) – Hagi (shrub clover), Kikyou (Chinese bellflower), Ominaeshi, Fujibakama, Nadeshiko (rose), Obana (Japanese pampas grass), Kuzu (arrowroot)

Proverbs including seven

“Nana-korobi Ya-oki (七転び八起き)” literally means “seven falls, eight rises”. Life has its ups and downs; therefore, it is an encouragement to keep going no matter how difficult it is. “Shichiten-hakki (七転八起)” is one of the yoji-jukugo (four-character kanji compounds) with the same meaning.