Facts about traditions

Dive Into Japanese Folklore and Mythical Creatures

Ashiaraiyashiki
Ashiaraiyashiki is a giant, unwashed foot that appears before you, demanding to be washed.

Japanese folklore is such a cool place; it’s where all those weird, surreal, and just bizarre things come to life. You have everything from nightmare-eating monsters to haunted umbrellas to giant ears of corn-these stories give you a peek into this world where nature and the supernatural kind of mix together. But these tales aren’t just forfun; in real life, they actually show us some deep cultural beliefs, fears, and values of Japan. Buckle up to dive into crazy Japanese mythology, where every creature or legend has its tale, and nothing really is as it seems.

1. The Baku: A Nightmare-Eating Beast
The baku is a mythical creature that has been comforting children for centuries. Known for its ability to devour nightmares, the baku was often called upon by saying, “Baku-san, come eat my dream” three times. This practice was particularly popular during the Meiji period. However, the baku’s appetite is insatiable, and if it remains hungry after consuming bad dreams, it may devour the dreamer’s hopes and desires as well, leaving them feeling hollow and unfulfilled.

2. The Kappa: A Polite but Dangerous Water Spirit
Kappa are amphibious beings known for their peculiar obsession with politeness. These mythological creatures are said to steal the shirikodama, a mystical ball containing a person’s soul, located in the anus. However, their politeness can be used against them. If a person bows deeply, the kappa will reciprocate, spilling the water stored in the dish on its head. Without this water, the kappa is powerless and immobilized. Interestingly, should someone refill the dish, the kappa is bound to serve them for eternity. Another of the kappa’s vulnerabilities lies in its detachable arms. If an arm is pulled off, the creature will barter favors or valuable knowledge for its return.

3. Kasa-Obake: The Haunted Umbrella
In Japanese mythology, even inanimate objects can develop a life of their own. The Kasa-Obake is an example of a tsukumogami—an object that gains a spirit after being neglected for a long time. This one-eyed, one-legged umbrella demon is said to hop around mischievously. While often harmless, it serves as a reminder to respect and care for even everyday items.

4. Kamikiri: The Hair-Snipping Trickster
The Kamikiri is a stealthy and mischievous creature known for its peculiar obsession with cutting people’s hair. Often depicted as small and bird-like, it appears out of nowhere to snip away locks without its victim realizing. The Kamikiri’s antics are said to symbolize the cultural importance of hair in Japan, where hairstyles often reflected social status or personal identity.

5. Ashiaraiyashiki: The Dirty Foot That Demands Respect
One of the more bizarre tales involves the Ashiaraiyashiki, a giant, unwashed foot that crashes into homes, demanding to be cleaned. Refusal results in the foot rampaging through the house, causing destruction. This strange myth underscores the importance of cleanliness and hospitality in Japanese culture.

6. Tanuki: The Trickster Raccoon Dog
The Tanuki is a beloved creature in Japanese folklore, often associated with humor and good fortune. Recognizable by its large, magical testicles, Tanuki are also regarded as master tricksters, capable of shapeshifting and deceiving humans for their own amusement.

7. Ubasute: A Grim Practice of Sacrifice
While not a creature, Ubasute is a mythical practice tied to Japanese folklore. It describes the grim act of abandoning an elderly parent on a remote mountain to die, typically during times of famine or hardship. Though likely more myth than fact, the story serves as a cautionary tale about the harsh realities of survival and the moral dilemmas faced in desperate times.

8. Cats in Japanese Mythology: Evil Felines
In Japan, cats are often seen as malevolent beings in folklore. Particularly feared are old gray or orange cats with long tails, as well as tricolored cats. These animals are believed to possess supernatural powers, bringing bad luck or even curses. The mistrust of cats may stem from their mysterious and independent nature, which contrasts with the loyalty of other domesticated animals.

9. Tōmorokoshi no Obake: Haunted Corn
One of the strangest legends in Japanese mythology is that of the Tōmorokoshi no Obake, or haunted corn. Corn, introduced to Japan in the 16th century by Portuguese traders, occasionally displays physical abnormalities due to environmental factors. These deformities—such as oversized kernels, discolorations, or unusual growths—were thought to be the work of spirits. Tales arose of haunted corn that appeared as grotesque monsters, although they were said to be harmless. These stories highlight the human tendency to find explanations for natural phenomena, blending agricultural reality with supernatural imagination.

10. Rokurokubi: The Stretching Neck Spirits
The Rokurokubi are one of the eeriest beings in Japanese mythology. By day, they appear as ordinary humans, often women, blending seamlessly into society. However, by night, their true nature is revealed as their necks stretch to incredible lengths, allowing their heads to roam freely. These nocturnal transformations are said to occur as a curse or punishment for past sins, with some tales portraying them as malicious beings who spy on or frighten unsuspecting victims. Others suggest they are harmless, wandering only out of curiosity. Regardless, the Rokurokubi serves as a haunting reminder of the hidden secrets people may carry.

Crazy, isn’t it?

5 Facts About Gifts to Think About This Holiday Season

Woman placing christmas gift in row
Photo by depositphotos.com

So, with Christmas just around the corner, it is time to get into the whole season of giving and think about some cool gifts. Gift-giving is such a sweet tradition all around the world; however, there are some pretty weird quirks and stories you might not expect. From unused gift cards to surprising legal stuff and fun family traditions, here are five cool facts about gifts that might change how you see the holiday season.

1. America’s $21 Billion Gift Card Problem

Gift cards may seem like an easy and practical present, but many of them go unused. In the United States alone, unused gift cards amount to a staggering $21 billion. Nearly two-thirds of people own at least one unused card, and half of these individuals will lose or forget about it entirely before redeeming it. While businesses benefit from this—unused balances and overspending by customers who do redeem cards—this highlights how even well-intended gifts can go underutilized. This holiday season, consider a personal touch to ensure your gift isn’t forgotten.

2. Engagement Rings: A Legal Gray Area

Engagement rings might symbolize love and commitment, but in some U.S. states, they are classified as “conditional gifts.” This means the giver has the right to ask for the ring back if the engagement is called off, as the gift was given under the condition of marriage. Interestingly, proposing on a birthday or Christmas could make the ring an unconditional gift, leaving no legal recourse to reclaim it. While the legalities are fascinating, it’s worth reflecting: if you’re already worrying about what happens to the ring in a breakup, perhaps it’s time to reconsider the relationship itself.

3. When Should You Open Gifts? It Depends on Where You Live

The tradition of opening Christmas gifts varies across the globe. In English-speaking countries like the United States, Canada, and the UK, unwrapping presents on Christmas morning is a beloved tradition. However, in many European and Latin American cultures, the gift exchange happens on Christmas Eve. This difference often ties back to religious customs and local traditions, showing how one holiday can bring diverse expressions of joy around the world.

4. The Ultimate Re-Gifting Challenge: A Pair of Pants

For over 25 years, two brothers turned a simple pair of pants into a legendary re-gifting tradition. Each year, they returned the pants to one another in increasingly elaborate and absurd packaging. The pants were hidden in a 600-pound safe, sealed inside a double-glazed window, launched in a 16-foot rocket, and even crushed inside a car, with a card that read: “Merry Christmas, the pants are in the glove box.” This tradition is a reminder that sometimes the joy of giving isn’t about the gift itself but the creativity and love that go into it.

5. Auschwitz’s Unexpected Gift Shop

In a sobering twist, Auschwitz, the site of one of history’s darkest atrocities, has a gift shop. The existence of a gift shop at such a solemn site raises deep ethical and emotional questions. While the shop sells books, educational materials, and memorial items to help visitors learn and remember, it also sparks debate about the commercialization of history and how we honor the past. This fact challenges us to think carefully about how and why we give and receive gifts, especially in contexts that carry profound historical weight.

Hey, this holiday season, while you’re out buying gifts or getting intofamily traditions, let these cool stories get you thinking about whatgiving really means. Whether it’s the thought that goes into a gift, the traditions you keep alive, or the lessons you share, just remember that the best gifts usually aren’t just what’s sitting under the tree.

Quirky Customs: Unraveling 5 Traditions from Around the Globe

A contemporary Mari Lwyd, using a cattle skull
A contemporary Mari Lwyd, using a cattle skull
Photo by Wikipedia

Every corner of the world harbors unique traditions that reflect its history, culture, and evolution. Dive into five such distinctive customs that, while they may seem unconventional to some, offer a glimpse into the rich tapestry of global practices and beliefs.

1. The Scottish Culinary Delight: The tradition of frying chicken in fat is deeply rooted in Scottish culture. When Scottish immigrants set foot on American soil, they brought this culinary practice with them. Interestingly, it was they who introduced this technique to African slaves, leading to a fusion of flavors and tastes.

2. Festive Chinese Cuisine in Jewish Households: For over a century, Jewish Americans have established a unique tradition of relishing Chinese food during the festive holiday season, merging two distinct culinary worlds in a delightful gastronomic experience.

3. Swedish Cartoon Affection: Every Christmas Eve at 3 p.m., almost half of Sweden halts to tune into a specific Donald Duck cartoon. This tradition, which began in 1959, stems from a time when Swedes had limited television channels and American cartoons were a rare treat. Over the decades, this quirky ritual has cemented its place in the heart of Swedish Christmas celebrations.

4. Milwaukee’s Unconventional Christmas Dish: In Milwaukee, residents indulge in a rather unconventional festive delicacy: raw ground beef paired with onions, all served on a slice of rye bread. This raw delight has been a staple of their Christmas feasts for years.

5. The Welsh Singing Horse Skull: The Welsh have a peculiar midwinter ritual named Mari Lwyd. This tradition sees a horse skull (often adorned) arriving at homes. However, gaining entry isn’t straightforward; a poetic sing-off determines if the Mari Lwyd can enter the home and partake in the household’s beer! Rooted in pre-Christian times, the symbolic white horse has been an iconic figure in the United Kingdom for millennia. Some regions even parade their horse skulls for other occasions like Halloween or May Day, showcasing the deep historical roots of this unique tradition.

5 Fascinating Narratives from the World of Mythologies

Antique relief with chimera
Photo by depositphotos.com

From creatures that speak in human tongues to deities representing the abstract, these tales have been a fundamental part of human history, providing insight into the human psyche and the mysteries of the unknown. Here are five intriguing and whimsical myths that have captivated the imagination through the ages:

1. The Silent Orangutans of Indonesia
According to local Indonesian folklore, Orangutans possess the ability to speak human languages. However, they choose to remain silent, fearing that revealing this ability would lead to them being forced to work.

2. The Misunderstood Sirens of Greek Mythology
Contrary to popular belief, the sirens from Greek mythology were never depicted as beautiful mermaids. These creatures were actually envisioned as bizarre human-faced birds that lured men to their demise by promising wisdom and foreknowledge.

3. Ratatoskr: The Messenger of Insults in Nordic Mythology
Within the realms of Nordic mythology, a squirrel named Ratatoskr had a unique job. It was tasked with carrying insulting messages between a great eagle and a dragon situated at opposite ends of Yggdrasil, the colossal World Tree.

4. Kasa-Obake: The Umbrella Demon of Japanese Mythology
Japanese mythology holds that if an umbrella is left alone long enough, it transforms into a one-eyed, one-legged hopping demon called Kasa-Obake.

5. Huh: The Deity of Infinity in Egyptian Mythology
In the intricate pantheon of Egyptian mythology, there exists a deity named “Huh” who embodies the concepts of Endlessness, Eternity, and Infinity.

The US’s Distinct Approach to Labor Day

While the majority of the world observes Labor Day on May 1st in memory of the Haymarket Affair in Chicago, the United States follows a different tradition. Rather than commemorating the event on May 1st, the US celebrates “Law Day” on this date. This special day emphasizes the importance of law in the nation’s founding and its crucial role in fostering a fair society.