Japanese Superstitions - Folk Wisdom

Folk Wisdom

• If you play with fire, you will wet your bed. (It makes children become aware of the danger of fire.)
• If you rest just after eating, you will become a cow/pig/elephant. (This means not to be lazy.)
• If you whistle or play a flute at night, snakes will come to you. (This means not to bother your neighbors.) (When they say snake, it means a thief.)
• A cold midsection will cause diarrhea
• The first dream of a new year will come true
• Breaking a comb or the cloth strap of a "geta" wooden sandal is an omen of misfortune.
• Stepping on the cloth border of a tatami mat brings bad luck.