The Japanese gods of fortune are the Seven Lucky Gods (Shichifukujin), a group of seven deities who represent good luck, wealth, happiness, and prosperity. They are widely venerated in Japan, appearing in temples, homes, and businesses, and their images are a common sight in art and popular culture.
Who Are the Seven Lucky Gods?
The Seven Lucky Gods are a diverse group, each with a distinct origin and domain. They are:
- Ebisu – The only one of the seven with purely Japanese roots, Ebisu is the god of fishermen, merchants, and honest labor. He is often depicted as a smiling, bearded man holding a fishing rod and a sea bream (tai).
- Daikokuten – A god of wealth and commerce, Daikokuten is often shown sitting on bales of rice with a mallet and a sack of treasures. He is derived from the Hindu deity Mahakala, who was adopted into Buddhism.
- Bishamonten – The god of warriors and protector of the righteous, Bishamonten is depicted in full armor, holding a spear and a small pagoda. He is also known as Tamonten and is one of the Four Heavenly Kings in Buddhism.
- Benzaiten – The goddess of music, art, wisdom, and wealth, Benzaiten is often shown playing a biwa (a Japanese lute). She is derived from the Hindu goddess Saraswati.
- Fukurokuju – A god of wisdom, longevity, and happiness, Fukurokuju is depicted with a high forehead, a long beard, and a staff. He is said to be based on a Chinese Taoist sage.
- Hotei – The god of contentment and happiness, Hotei is a rotund, laughing figure with a large belly and a cloth sack. He is often referred to as the “Laughing Buddha” and is based on a Chinese Buddhist monk.
- Jurōjin – The god of longevity, Jurōjin is an old man with a long white beard, often accompanied by a deer, a crane, or a turtle. He is also of Taoist origin.
Origins and History
The grouping of the Seven Lucky Gods is relatively recent in Japanese history, emerging during the Muromachi period (1336–1573). The exact origin is unclear, but it is believed that the group was formalized by the shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, who sought to combine various deities from different traditions into a single, auspicious set. The seven gods represent a syncretic blend of Shinto, Buddhist, and Taoist figures, reflecting Japan’s religious diversity.
Ebisu is the only god of purely Japanese origin, while the others have roots in Indian Buddhism (Bishamonten, Benzaiten, Daikokuten) or Chinese Taoism (Fukurokuju, Hotei, Jurōjin). This mix made the group appealing across different social classes, from samurai to merchants and farmers.
How the Seven Lucky Gods Are Worshipped
Worship of the Seven Lucky Gods takes several forms:
- Shrines and Temples: Many temples and shrines in Japan have statues or images of the seven gods. Some are dedicated to a single god (e.g., Ebisu-jinja), while others house the entire group.
- Pilgrimages: A popular tradition is the Shichifukujin-meguri, a pilgrimage to seven temples or shrines, each associated with one of the gods. Pilgrims collect stamps or amulets from each site, often during the New Year.
- Home altars: Many Japanese households display small statues or paintings of the seven gods, especially during New Year, to invite good fortune.
- Businesses: Shops and companies often place an image of Ebisu or Daikokuten near the entrance to attract customers and prosperity.
Symbolism and Iconography
Each god has distinct attributes that symbolize their powers:
- Ebisu: Fishing rod and sea bream – abundance and honest work.
- Daikokuten: Mallet (uchide no kozuchi) that grants wishes, and a sack of treasures – wealth.
- Bishamonten: Spear and pagoda – protection and military fortune.
- Benzaiten: Biwa (lute) – arts and knowledge.
- Fukurokuju: Scroll, staff, and deer – wisdom and longevity.
- Hotei: Cloth sack and fan – contentment and generosity.
- Jurōjin: Scroll and deer – longevity and learning.
The gods are also associated with the takarabune (treasure ship), a mythical vessel that sails into port on New Year’s Eve carrying the seven gods and their treasures. A picture of the takarabune is often placed under a pillow on New Year’s Eve to bring good dreams.
Common Misconceptions
One common misconception is that the Seven Lucky Gods are all native Japanese deities. In fact, only Ebisu is purely Japanese; the others were adopted from Buddhism and Taoism. Another misconception is that Hotei is the same as the historical Buddha (Siddhartha Gautama). Hotei is based on a Chinese monk named Budai, who lived in the 10th century and was known for his cheerful disposition; he is not the Buddha.
Also, some people assume that the Seven Lucky Gods are a formal pantheon with a fixed hierarchy. There is no such hierarchy; they are a loose grouping of independent deities who are celebrated together for their combined blessings.
Comparisons with Other Cultures
The Seven Lucky Gods are often compared to Western concepts of “lucky charms” or patron saints. In Chinese culture, there are similar groupings, such as the Eight Immortals (Ba Xian) of Taoism, who also bestow blessings and are depicted in art. In Hindu tradition, the gods Lakshmi (wealth) and Saraswati (wisdom) parallel the functions of Daikokuten and Benzaiten, respectively. However, the Seven Lucky Gods are uniquely Japanese in their combination and popular appeal.
Modern Relevance and Pop Culture
The Seven Lucky Gods remain popular in modern Japan. They appear in:
- Video games: For example, the Shin Megami Tensei series features them as demons.
- Anime and manga: Shows like “Noragami” and “Cautious Hero” include characters based on the gods.
- Festivals: Many New Year festivals feature processions with masks or floats of the seven gods.
- Art and souvenirs: Netsuke (miniature carvings), paintings, and charms are common.
The gods also embody the spirit of omotenashi (hospitality) and the pursuit of happiness, which resonates with people today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the Seven Lucky Gods still worshipped today?
Yes, they are actively worshipped, especially during the New Year. Many people visit shrines dedicated to them, and businesses often keep their images for prosperity.
What is the treasure ship?
The treasure ship (takarabune) is a mythical boat that carries the Seven Lucky Gods and their treasures. It is a popular New Year symbol, and pictures of it are placed under pillows to bring good dreams and fortune.
Why is Ebisu often depicted with a fish?
Ebisu is the patron of fishermen and merchants, and the sea bream (tai) is a symbol of good luck and abundance in Japan. It also represents the bounty of the sea.
Can I pray to the Seven Lucky Gods for specific wishes?
Yes, each god has a domain. For example, pray to Daikokuten for wealth, Benzaiten for artistic success, and Bishamonten for protection. Many people pray to all seven for general good fortune.
Are the Seven Lucky Gods in any way connected to the 12 zodiac animals?
No, they are not. The zodiac animals are a separate system of twelve animals used in East Asian astrology. The Seven Lucky Gods are a distinct group of deities.
Related
- Fab Fabrics Repeats Hand Printed Textiles?
- Best Quilt Blocks for Upcycled Denim
- Discarded Dreams Mattress Upcycle Contest Guide
How pages are sourced and corrected: Sources and editorial policy.