The 7 Deities of Fortune in Japan – Shichifukujin

Shichifukujin (七福神) are the seven deities and are revered in Japan for bringing good fortune. These are Ebisu , Daikokuten , Fukurokuju , Bishamonten , Nunobukuro , Kotobuki , and Benjiten , each having diverse backgrounds, in Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, and Shinto. Each of these is patron of certain professions. Analyzing the word we have that shichi means “seven”, fuku means “luck or fortune” and jin means “person”.

The cult of this group of gods is due to the importance of the number seven in Japan since it is a number that represents good luck.

Only one of the 7 deities is of Japanese origin, Ebisu . The other six come from Hinduism ( Benzaiten, Bishamonten, Daikokuten ) and Chinese Taoism and Buddhism ( Fukurokuju, Hotei, Jurojin ).

Ebisu and Daikokuten were gods of business and commerce, later the same Japanese society began to look for deities that could correspond to their professions.

In the past, they were venerated separately, although currently they are venerated in a group. Only if the deity is required to act on something specific, then it is worshiped in particular.

It is believed that by worshiping the Seven Lucky Gods you will be protected from seven misfortunes and receive seven blessings. Belief in the Seven Lucky Gods dates from the end of the Muromachi period (1336-1573) in Japan, spread further among the people of the Edo period, and has continued to this day.

Gods of Fortune

Ebisu (恵比寿)

This is the only deity purely native to Japan and Shintoism. The son of Izanagi and Izanami, legend has it that when he was only three years old, Ebisuten, not knowing how to walk yet, was put into a boat and left to his fate. Arriving at a port, the boy was rescued and later adored by local fishermen and merchants.

Ebisu is depicted as a happy character, holding a fish in his left hand and a fishing rod in his right hand: he is the God of fishing, commercial exchanges, and is especially revered as the God of business.

Daikokuten (大黒天)

The God of luck, he is seen as the incarnation of the Hindu god Shiva. It is believed that he once died (and consequently would have become a Buddha) but returned to Earth because he wanted to bring joy to the people. With his cap and a large bag on his back and a hammer in his hand, this is the God of trade and wealth.

Bishamonten (毘沙門天)

It is also called Tamon . Among the Seven Lucky Gods, he is the only one with a slightly scary, warrior-like appearance: he is depicted stepping on an Amanojaku (evil heavenly spirit) holding a pagoda in his right hand and a stick with a gem in it. upper part in his right hand although sometimes he has a spear or trident. It is the God of flexibility that brings success.

Benzaiten (弁才天 / 弁財天)

Benzaiten is the only goddess of the group. Initially, she is the deity of water in the Hindu religion, but over time she became the goddess of music and eloquence in Japan. So she became the goddess of arts and prosperity.
She is depicted as a beautiful woman and typically carries a biwa , a traditional Japanese lute-like instrument.

Fukurokuju (福禄寿)

If we divide his name “fuku” means happiness or good luck in Japanese, “roku” means fortune and “ju” means longevity . Fukurokujin is also the God of virility and wisdom. This hermit spent his life in cities and towns in China, to spread the faith.

He is represented with an elongated face, a long beard and large ears that reveal his wisdom in his old age. Apart from the crane or the turtle that follows him (both animals are symbols of long life), he can be recognized by a pole decorated with a hanging scroll and his fan.

Juroujin (寿老人)

This deity is also an old man, although this one is accompanied by a deer. Juroujin and Fukurokujin are sometimes so similar that some tales assume they are actually the same person.
He is represented as a deity who walks with a peach in his hand (symbol of longevity) He is revered as a God of wealth, prosperity and longevity.

Hotei (布袋)

This is the deity of generosity, fortune and abundance. He is represented always smiling, carrying a bag on his shoulders that, according to the belief, is full of fortune for those who believe in his virtues. She also carries a fan that is supposedly capable of warding off difficulties. Its very long lobes are proof of high spirituality.

Takarabune (宝船), or “Treasure Ship”

They are often depicted aboard a treasure ship called the Takarabune . In Japanese folklore, the Takarabune (宝船), or ” Treasure Ship “, is a mythical ship with the Seven Lucky Gods on board that sails through the skies during the first three days of the New Year. The image of the ship is an essential part of the traditional New Year celebrations in Japan.