Superstitions, deeply rooted in cultures around the globe, reveal how societies interpret the unknown. Japan stands out with its rejection of the number 4 due to its association with death and the exaltation of the owl as a good luck charm, demonstrating the power of linguistics in myths.
Hidden Meanings: Linguistics and Superstitions in Japan
In today’s society, marked by the relentless search for certainties, seemingly ancient beliefs promising good fortune or warning of supposed misfortunes continue to flourish. Despite scientific advancements, these traditions permeate our daily lives, serving as cultural keys that connect generations.
From the negative perception of the number 13 in the West to the fascinating linguistic connection of the owl in Japanese, the world of superstitions offers a rich and captivating mosaic.
Multicultural Origins of Superstition
First and foremost, it is essential to recognize that nearly all cultures have forged their own myths about luck.
In the case of the West, the number 13 holds a prominent place: numerous hypotheses trace its roots to the Last Supper, while others cite the idea of the “thirteen steps” leading to the gallows. However, no one knows exactly when this number began to provoke unease.
Meanwhile, in certain Arab societies, encountering an owl or a crow is considered a bad omen. These birds, for various reasons, have been linked to death and sinister forebodings. However, such perceptions are not exclusive to a particular territory. Throughout history, humans have projected their fears onto creatures, numbers, or words, paving the way for the emergence of practices and rituals designed to ward off misfortune.
The Owl and the Crow: Two Symbols with Opposite Destinies
While the owl and the crow hold an unenviable reputation in many parts of the world, in Japan, they are associated with positive values that challenge established stereotypes.
To begin with, the owl is called fukurō (フクロウ), and its popularity in Japan is due not so much to its written form but to the sounds that make up the word. Its pronunciation contains three key elements: fu (不), meaning “without” or “no”; kurō (苦労), which translates to “hardships” or “arduous effort”; and fuku (福), representing “fortune” or “good luck.”
These phonetic associations create a play on meanings highly valued in Japanese culture, where fukurō can be interpreted as “without hardships” or “full of fortune.” This reinforces the symbolism of the owl as a good luck charm and a protector.
On the other hand, the crow holds a special place in Japanese mythology and everyday life.
Traditionally seen as a divine messenger, its representation with three legs — the famous Yatagarasu — even appears on the jersey of Japan’s national soccer team, showcasing cultural pride and evoking trust in divine protection during sports competitions.
Thus, while in other contexts, crows or owls are often avoided due to their association with calamities, in Japan, they are revalued as symbols of wisdom, spiritual guides, and positive signs.
Numbers That Disturb and Numbers That Bring Prosperity
Another essential component of Japanese superstitions lies in their linguistic dimension, which carries more weight than religious connotations.
In this case, the aversion to the number 4 (shi), whose sound coincides with the word for death (死), and to the number 9 (ku), which is associated with the term for suffering (苦), stands out.
For this reason, many Japanese hospitals omit the use of 4 and 9 in their room numbering to avoid even the impression of a fatal omen. Similarly, it is considered inappropriate to gift cyclamen (shikuramen) to convalescing individuals, as its name begins with the dreaded syllables shi and ku.
In contrast, Islamic societies often favor odd numbers, especially highlighting seven as a number laden with spiritual symbolism.
From the seven circumambulations around the Kaaba in Mecca to the belief in the seven heavens, this numerical devotion finds grounding in numerous references. Thus, each region creates narratives that shape its daily interaction with reality, reinforcing the connection between language, customs, and mysticism.
Global Perspectives and Relevance in the 21st Century
The fact that many people in Japan choose to avoid certain pronunciations or that Western countries skip the 13th floor in iconic buildings highlights the strength of cultural roots.
It is not uncommon for people in the 21st century, with access to scientific information just a click away, to wear amulets or participate in rituals to ensure “good luck.”
On the other hand, this phenomenon is a direct result of the search for a psychological anchor in the face of common fears and uncertainties shared by all humans. Artistic and customary expressions draw from oral tradition and perpetuate deeply rooted worldviews that do not easily vanish with the advent of modernity.
Japan and Its Unique Relationship with Numbers and Symbols of Good Luck
Superstitions function as a shared cultural legacy, nourished by history, linguistics, and the inherent need for emotional support against the unknown.
Japan illustrates this dynamic exceptionally, with numbers that evoke death and suffering and symbolic birds with powerful positive attributes. However, ultimately, each society retains its own traditions and beliefs about good or bad luck.
Furthermore, the study of these myths serves as a bridge to mutual understanding and respect for the plurality of interpretations of the world.
In light of globalization, the multicultural map of superstitions becomes more visible, reminding us that while symbols vary, the human need to surround oneself with protective elements and express hope for a favorable future remains constant.
Perhaps this resilience of superstition in the 21st century shows us that scientific advancements do not erase the longing to believe in invisible forces guiding our destiny.
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