BIG IN JAPAN
Shichifukujin
Seven has always been a
universally auspicious number, from the seven wonders of the world and seven deadly sins,
to the seven-day week and the seven hills of Rome. Japan is equally enchanted by the
number - the country originally had seven districts, Buddhists believe in seven
reincarnations and seven weeks of mourning following a death. So it comes as no surprise
that in Japanese folklore there are seven deities of good fortune - the shichifukujin.
The six gods and one goddess come from an eclectic mixture of deities and sages from
several religions: Shintoism, Buddhism, Taoism and Brahmanism. The group was first
worshipped in the 15th century, and they are thought to bring wealth and longevity.
Considering their origins, it is predictable that the wealth, success and happiness they
represent comes in the form of rice, fish, armor and music rather than gold and jewels.
Currently the seven deities (they have changed from time to time) are comprised of:
Daikoku, the god of wealth and farmers, is also the deity of the kitchen and
provider of food. Daikoku is generally depicted as a hooded figure seated on two rice
bales with a large sack of "treasure" (probably rice) slung over his shoulder.
Of Indian origin, he is identified with the mythic figure Okuninushi no Mikoto.
In his right hand he carries an uchide nokozuchi (lucky mallet) similar to the
Greek cornucopia. This horn of plenty is able to produce anything desired when struck -
like more rice.
Bishamon, the god of war and warriors, is usually clad in armor and a helmet and
armed with a sword. As one of the Four Guardians of Buddhism, he carries a small pagoda
that gives out vast quantities of treasure each day to "the worthy." However,
since he meets few "worthy" people, he is usually forced to destroy the
treasure.
Ebisu always has a beaming bearded-face peering out from under a two-pointed hat.
He carries a fishing rod in his right hand and a large, red tai (sea bream)
dangling on a line or tucked under his left arm. The god of fishermen and wealth, he
provides safe sailing and plentiful fishing. Merchants adopted his image, and now he is a
symbol of business prosperity for all trades.
Fukurokuju is based on a Chinese hermit, renowned for performing miracles. The
deity of the south polar star, he is in charge of longevity and prosperity. Easily
recognized by his long, dome-shaped head, Fukurokuju dresses his squat, elderly body in
long flowing robes, and holds an ogi (folding fan) and a cane with a makimono
(scroll) tied around it.
Jurojin is another god of longevity from China. Depicted as an old man with a long
white beard, he also carries a holy staff with a scroll tied to it, on which is written
the life span of every living thing. The deer, a symbol of longevity, accompanies him as a
messenger, and other long-lived animals such as the stag, crane and tortoise often join
them. Jurojin is often identified with Fukurokujin, the god of wealth. The two are thought
to inhabit the same body, but whether portrayed alone or with his wealthy cohort. Jurojin
always has a deer in tow.
Hotei is the god of happiness, contentment and good fortune, and probably the best
known deity. He has a huge Cheshire-cat grin and a big belly, epitomizing happiness and
contentment. He carries a large bag that never empties, which he uses to feed the poor and
needy, and an ogi. Also known as Budai and Putai, he is based on an eccentric Chinese Zen
beggar priest, rumoredto be an incarnation of the Bodhisattva Maitreya. Hotei is the only
member of the shichifukujin based on an actual person.
Benzaiten (a.k.a. Benten or Sarasvati,) is said to have been an Indian Angel who
now represents the artistic muses (eloquence, music, art, literature, wisdom and water).
Such artistic learnings and wisdom are thought to lead to prosperity, hence her inclusion
in the group. Benzaiten always carries a biwa (Japanese mandolin), and is
sometimes accompanied by a sea serpent or snake.
On New Years Eve the deities enter port on a takarabune (treasure ship) to bring happiness
to everyone. Tradition says that sleeping with a picture of the shichifukujin aboard the
takarabune under your pillow on January first ensures your first dream of the New
Year will be a lucky one. Maybe the dreamer will even end up in seventh heaven.
Catherine Frances |
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