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Folklore of curses
41 articles
Folklore of cursesWhat Is Kamikakushi? Japan's 'Spirited Away' Tradition, Explained
What is kamikakushi, being "spirited away"? A folklore-and-culture explanation of the Japanese tradition that explains sudden disappearances as the work of tengu, mountain gods or foxes — the Tono Monogatari accounts, the hidden-village stories, and a modern reading. Lore only.
Folklore of cursesWhat Are Tsukumogami? Japan's Spirits of Old Objects, Explained
What are tsukumogami? A folklore-and-culture explanation of the Japanese belief that tools and objects gain a spirit after long years — the Tsukumogami Emaki scroll, the link to hyakki yagyo, and the memorial rites for needles and dolls. Lore only.
Folklore of cursesWhat Is Kodoku? Japan's Outlawed Insect Curse, Explained
What is kodoku? A folklore-and-history explanation of the sorcery said to have reached Japan from China — the character for ko, the Han-dynasty witchcraft scandals, the Ritsuryo law that made "kodoku enmi" a capital crime, and the link to inugami possession lineages. Lore only.
Folklore of cursesWhat Is a Fuyurei? Japan's Wandering Spirit vs. the Jibakurei, Explained
What is a fuyurei, the Japanese "drifting spirit"? A folklore-and-culture explanation of what it means, how it differs from a jibakurei bound to a place, the Buddhist idea of jobutsu behind both, and how to read claims that some people attract them. Lore only.
Folklore of cursesWho Was Abe no Seimei? Japan's Most Famous Onmyoji, Explained
Who was Abe no Seimei? A history-and-folklore explanation of the real Heian-period onmyoji and the legends that grew after him — the shikigami tales, the meaning of the Seimei Kikyo pentagram, Seimei Shrine, and the Kuzunoha fox legend.
Folklore of cursesWhat Is Omagatoki? Japan's Other Witching Hour at Dusk, Explained
What is omagatoki, and what time is it? A folklore-and-culture explanation of Japan's dusk "hour of meeting spirits" — the alternate writing "omagatoki, the hour of great calamity," its link to tasokare (twilight), and how it differs from ushimitsudoki. Lore only.
Folklore of cursesWhat Is Kotodama? Japan's Belief in the Spirit of Words, Explained
What is kotodama? A folklore-and-culture explanation of the Japanese belief that spoken words carry spiritual power — the Man'yoshu phrase "the land where kotodama brings good fortune," norito prayers, imi-kotoba taboo words, and the link to curses. Lore only.
Folklore of cursesWhat Is Kimon? Japan's Demon Gate Direction and Ura-Kimon, Explained
What is kimon, the Japanese "demon gate"? A folklore-and-culture explanation of why the northeast was shunned, its relation to ura-kimon in the southwest, the ox-and-tiger origin of the demon's horns and tiger-skin, and the kimon wards of Kyoto and Edo. Lore only.
Folklore of cursesWhat Is Hyakki Yagyo? Japan's Night Parade of One Hundred Demons, Explained
What is hyakki yagyo? A folklore-and-culture explanation of Japan's night parade of demons — the tales in Konjaku Monogatari and Uji Shui Monogatari, the Muromachi picture scrolls, the link to tsukumogami, and what was said to happen if you met it. Lore only.
Folklore of cursesWhat Is a Zashiki-warashi? Meaning, Lore, and Tono Monogatari
What is a zashiki-warashi? A folklore-and-culture deep dive into its meaning and the lore of northeastern Japan — the record in Kunio Yanagita's Tono Monogatari, the child-shaped being that brings a household wealth, the tradition that a house declines once it leaves, and the theories about its true nature. Not a claim that it is real.
Folklore of cursesWhat Is Yaku-otoshi? How It Differs from Yaku-barai, and the Folk Practice of Letting Go of Misfortune
Yaku-otoshi is a folk practice of deliberately shedding and letting go of misfortune clinging to you. Here's how it differs from yaku-barai and yaku-yoke, its link to the "unlucky years," and the meaning behind dropping and releasing things.
Folklore of cursesWhat Does the Straw Doll Curse Mean? The Folklore Behind Japan's Wara Ningyo
What does the straw doll curse (wara ningyo) mean? A folklore-and-culture explanation of the five-inch-nail legend, its link to the midnight shrine ritual, and the idea of the "effigy." Not a how-to, and not something we encourage doing.
Folklore of cursesWhat Is Ushimitsudoki? What Time Is the Japanese Witching Hour? Meaning and Origins
What is ushimitsudoki, and what time is it? A folklore-and-culture explanation of Japan's "witching hour" — the name for around 2 a.m., its link to the phrase "when even the grass and trees sleep," and its connection to the ushi no koku mairi ritual. Lore only.
Folklore of cursesWhat Is Ushi no Koku Mairi? The Meaning and Origins of Japan's Midnight Curse Ritual
What is ushi no koku mairi (the hour-of-the-ox shrine visit)? A folklore-and-culture explanation of its meaning and origins — the ritual of nailing a straw doll at the witching hour, and the legend of the "curse rebound." Not a how-to, and not something we encourage doing.
Folklore of cursesWhat Is Tatari? The Folk Meaning of the Misfortune the Japanese Have Long Feared
Tatari is an old idea that the anger of gods, spirits, or nature falls upon people as misfortune. From a folklore view, here's its meaning, its origins, its link to goryo belief, and what people were really trying to appease.
Folklore of cursesWhat Is Shio Majinai? The Folklore of Salt, Purification, and Letting Go by Writing
A look at what "shio majinai" (the salt charm) is, from a folklore perspective — Japan's long tradition of seeing purifying power in salt, the modern form of the practice, and the idea of writing your worries out to let them go.
Folklore of cursesWhat Is a Shikigami? The Meaning and Origins of the Onmyoji's Familiar Spirit
What is a shikigami? A folklore-and-culture explanation of the meaning and origins of the spirit familiars said to be commanded by onmyoji — their link to paper effigies (katashiro) and the legends of Abe no Seimei. Lore and culture only.
Folklore of cursesWhat Is Onryo? The Folklore of the Vengeful Spirit the Japanese Feared and Enshrined
An onryo is the spirit of someone who died with bitterness or a grudge, believed to bring misfortune. From a folklore view, here's its meaning, famous legends, and the goryo belief that enshrined these vengeful spirits as gods.
Folklore of cursesWhat Does "Onnen" Mean? The Word for a Grudge, and How Japan Learned to Calm It
Onnen, used in phrases like "steeped in onnen," names a resentment congealed deep in the heart. Here is its meaning, how it differs from urami, the goryo belief that enshrined figures like Sugawara no Michizane to calm it, the idea of "dispelling" a grudge, and a bridge to releasing resentment safely.
Folklore of cursesWhat Is an Onmyoji? The Meaning and History of Japan's Yin-Yang Masters
What is an onmyoji (yin-yang master)? A folklore-and-culture explanation of the meaning and history of these court diviners of the Onmyodo tradition — the calendars, astronomy, and divination they handled, and the legends of Abe no Seimei and his shikigami. History and lore only.
Folklore of cursesWhat Is Ohyakudo-mairi? The Folk Practice of Praying the Same Wish a Hundred Times
Ohyakudo-mairi is a Japanese folk practice of visiting the same shrine or temple a hundred times to make a wish. Here's its meaning, its origins, the basic form using the "hundred-times stone," and the quiet inner work behind repeating a prayer.
Folklore of cursesWhat Is Oharai? The Shinto Rite of Purifying Away Defilement
What is oharai (Shinto purification)? A folklore explanation of its meaning and origins, how it differs from yakubarai and o-kiyome, and the flow of the shrine rite — the idea of cleansing away defilement and misfortune.
Folklore of cursesWhat Is an Ofuda? The Meaning of the Shrine Tablet and How to Enshrine It
What is an ofuda (the Shinto shrine tablet)? A folklore explanation of its meaning and types, how it differs from omamori and gofu, how to enshrine it properly on a household altar, and the custom of renewing it each year.
Folklore of cursesTypes of Curses in Japan: A Folklore Guide to Japanese Curses
What are the types of curses in Japanese folklore? A clear guide from folklore and legend — the sympathetic and contagious principles behind all magic, curses using tools like straw dolls, curses of words and kotodama, curses of spirits such as ikiryo and onryo, and kodoku and possession-lineage lore. Not a how-to for cursing anyone.
Folklore of cursesWhat Are the Legends of Curse Words? Kotodama Belief and Folklore Explained
A folklore look at the legends surrounding curse words — the kotodama belief that words hold power, why "noroi" (cursing) and "inori" (praying) are of one root, and the idea of writing out negative words to let them go. This is not an article that recommends acting on any of it.
Folklore of cursesWhat Is Noroi-gaeshi? The Meaning of Japan's 'Curse Rebound' Folklore
What is noroi-gaeshi (the curse rebound)? A folklore-and-culture explanation of its meaning, the ushi no koku mairi legend that "if you're seen, it returns to you," and why it has long been feared. Not a how-to, and not something we encourage doing.
Folklore of cursesWhat Is Majinai? The Meaning, Roots, and Origins of Japanese Charms
What is majinai, the Japanese word for a charm or spell? A folklore-and-history explanation of its meaning and roots — the etymology of majinau and maji, the difference between protective charms and harmful curses, and everyday spells with salt, teru teru bozu, and words. Not a how-to for harming anyone.
Folklore of cursesWhat Is Black Magic? Its Difference from White Magic, and Its History as Culture
Black magic, familiar from films and stories, is described as magic meant to harm others — contrasted with white magic, aimed at healing and protection. Here is what the concept means, why the black/white line is blurry, its history through grimoires and witch hunts, and parallels worldwide (this is not a guide to practicing it).
Folklore of cursesWhat Is Kuji? The Meaning and Origins of Japan's Nine-Syllable Protection Ritual
What is kuji (the nine syllables)? A folklore-and-culture explanation of the meaning and origins of the nine words "rin pyo to sha kai jin retsu zai zen" — the kuji-kiri hand ritual, its protective purpose, and its roots in Shugendo. Lore and culture only.
Folklore of cursesWhat Is a Katashiro? Japan's Purification Custom of Entrusting Defilement to a Substitute
The katashiro, familiar from the Great Purification at Shinto shrines, is a paper or doll in human shape onto which you transfer your own defilement before letting it flow away. Here is what a katashiro is, how it differs from a yorishiro, its history back to clay figurines, its use in the Great Purification, nademono and nagashi-bina, and how it differs from the straw doll.
Folklore of cursesWhat Is Juso? The Meaning, Roots, and History of the Japanese Curse
What is juso, the Japanese word for a formal curse? A folklore-and-history explanation of its meaning, roots, and reading, how it differs from noroi, magic, and chobuku, the enmi and kodoku crimes in the ritsuryo codes, and onmyodo curses at the Heian court. Not a how-to for cursing anyone.
Folklore of cursesWhat Is Jujutsu (Magic)? The Meaning of the Word and Its Types Explained
What is jujutsu (magic/sorcery)? A folklore-and-culture explanation of the word's meaning, types such as homeopathic and contagious magic, and its ties to Japan's onmyodo and prayer traditions. Not a how-to, and not something we encourage doing.
Folklore of cursesWhat Does "Jubaku" Mean? Origin of the Word for a Curse That Binds
"Bound by my parents," "bound by my past" — the Japanese word jubaku appears in everyday speech. Originally it meant binding a person through sorcery. Here is its meaning, the origin of 呪 and 縛, the kotodama belief behind it, parallels in world magic, and how it came to name an invisible, psychological hold.
Folklore of cursesWhat Is Jorei? Spirit Exorcism, How It Differs from Oharai, and the Folklore Behind It
What is jorei (spirit exorcism)? A folklore-and-culture explanation of its meaning, how it differs from oharai and jorei-as-pacification, and how spirits and curses have been understood in Shinto, Buddhism, and folk belief. Not an endorsement of any practitioner or rite.
Folklore of cursesWhat Is a Jibakurei? Meaning, Traits, and How It Differs From a Wandering Spirit
What is a jibakurei (earthbound spirit)? A folklore-and-culture deep dive into its meaning, the lore of a spirit "bound to the land," how it differs from wandering and background spirits, the modern haunted-spot narrative, and why people feel a will can linger in a place. Not a claim that spirits are real.
Folklore of cursesWhat Is an Ikiryo? The Living-Spirit Legend Depicted Even in The Tale of Genji
A folklore look at what an ikiryo (living spirit) is — the notion that a living person's intense thoughts reach another, the story of Rokujo no Miyasudokoro, and the idea of writing out feelings too heavy to hold and letting them go.
Folklore of cursesWhat Is Hyoui? Meaning, Lore, and the Fox Possession and Living Spirit
What is hyoui (spirit possession)? A folklore-and-culture deep dive into its meaning and lore — the difference between "tsuki" and "mochi" possession, Japanese traditions such as fox possession and the living spirit, and divine possession and trance cultures around the world. Not a claim that spirits are real.
Folklore of cursesWhat Is Goryo Shinko? Japan's Belief in Pacifying Vengeful Spirits
What is goryo shinko, the Japanese belief in appeasing vengeful spirits? A folklore-and-history explanation of how the resentment of those who died unjust deaths was enshrined and turned into protective gods — from the 863 goryoe at Shinsen-en and the eight goryo to Prince Sawara, Sugawara no Michizane, and the Gion Festival.
Folklore of cursesWhat Is a Gofu? Japanese Protective Amulets and How They Differ from Omamori
What is a gofu (Japanese protective talisman)? A folklore-and-culture explanation of its meaning, how it differs from omamori and ofuda, and its role in Shinto, Buddhism, and onmyodo — the idea of guarding oneself and warding off misfortune.
Folklore of cursesWhat Is an Enkiri Shrine? The Meaning and History of Severing Bad Ties
A folklore look at what an enkiri (bond-severing) shrine is — the meaning of praying to cut bad ties, beliefs around Yasui Konpira-gu and the Enkiri Enoki, why "cutting" and "binding" are two sides of one coin, and how to sort out the wish to let go.
Folklore of cursesWhat Is an Akuryo? Meaning, Origins, and How It Differs From a Good Spirit
What is an akuryo (evil spirit)? A folklore-and-culture deep dive into its meaning and origins — how it differs from a good spirit, evil-spirit beliefs from Christian demonology to shamanism, and Japan's onryo, tatari, goryo faith, and possessing-spirit traditions. Not a claim that spirits are real.
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