Going under a ladder, dressing in yellow for a big event or coming across a black cat are some of the best-known superstitions in the world. They are “urban legends” or “stories” that have been passed down from grandparents to children and to which the most skeptical hardly give importance, while those who are more fearful have a really hard time. For them, this post may not be highly recommended because we are going to explain what Yakudoshi is, a Japanese superstition that talks about the ages of bad luck in men and women. 
Yakudoshi or the tradition of bad luck with men and women
- According to Japanese tradition, there are very dangerous age traits for men and women because, in certain years of their lives, physical and mental deterioration occurs that can cause serious consequences for the future. During those years, the person goes through different periods of bad luck that can take their toll on them. They are known as unlucky ages and date back to the Heian period (794 to 1185).
- For the Yakudoshi, the unlucky ages vary by gender. Thus, for men the worst years are at 25, 42 and 61 years, while those for women are at 19, 33 and 37. Of these three ages, for them the worst is 42 and, for they, 33. But the beliefs around this Japanese superstition do not end here. The years before and after these critical and fatal ages for men and women are also thought to be synonymous with bad luck. The most curious thing is that this legend is based on phonetics: 42 can be read as “Shi ni” (Death), and 33 as “Sanzan” (Terrible).
What do you do to cope with bad luck?
- To prevent bad luck from beating them, the believers of this superstition usually get amulets that protect them from bad vibrations or go to sanctuaries to participate in religious ceremonies, some people even go to temples a year before to try to reduce bad luck in the year that unfortunate age arrives.
- To attract good luck, it is recommended that on the day of the person’s birthday, they and their relatives visit a sanctuary to rid themselves of misfortunes in the critical year. Good luck is also associated with practices such as stepping on shit (the same happens in other parts of the world), drinking amachá (tea with dried hydrangea leaves) or eating umeboshi (plum blossom) in the morning.
Other popular superstitions in Japan
- Japanese culture is as superstitious as Spanish or Mexican. The only thing that differentiates Japan from other countries is that theirs are unique and special. Do you want to know the most popular (and at the same time the strangest) of the Japanese country?
- Perhaps this theory was created to prevent laziness. If you rest for a while after eating, you can become a cow. Poor Spaniard who takes a nap!
- Be careful when you cut your nails during the day: never at night! It brings bad luck and, what is worse, death. It means that you will die before your parents.
- Do you know what it means in Japanese culture to break a comb? You guessed it, bad luck!
- Seeing a spider, depending on the moment in which it occurs, can tip the balance to one side or the other. During the day, everything is great; at night, imminent danger!
- The interpretation of dreams helps us to know the symbol of them. In Japan there is a belief that dreaming of snakes is a good omen, but it is better if they are white. The same happens if when you fall into the hands of Morpheus, eggplants appear on your head.
- In the eastern country, snakes refer to thieves. It is said that if you whistle or play the flute when the sun has set, these reptiles will come after you. In other areas of Japan there is another interpretation that says that who is going to visit you soon are the ghosts.
- If you are in Japan and you visit a temple, there are several things to keep in mind. It is forbidden to take photos of the graves, because the deceased will get angry and the consequences can be harmful for you. On the other hand, if you pass in front of a temple, go inside, stand in front of the altar and give two palms or recite a prayer to the gods. Finally, if there is a bell at the doors of it, come to ring it.