Owl is fukurou in Japanese, and because it includes the work fuku 福 meaning "luck" it was linked with good fortune. Apart from a symbol of luck, the owl protects against suffering and hardship, because fukurou can be written as 不苦労 as well - fu means "no" and kurou means hardship, suffering.
They are so cute.
Owls are popular lucky charms, called 縁起物 engimono. I once read that the size/shape and colour of the owl have influence, hence a wide variety of owl souvenirs in Japan.
In the "Handbook Of Japanese Mythology" by Michael Ashkenazi I read about Chikap Kamui, an owl deity considered to be the watcher or master of some area. So I imagine owl statues guard and protect the gardens. Kamui is an Ainu deity.
I would like to learn more about the meaning of owls in Japan from you, so kindly write a message or a comment.
I didn't know about this meaning of owl statues and souvenirs in Japan. It was such an interesting read.
ReplyDeleteI like fukurou very much, it's kind of misterious and hands on a feeling of wisdom when I look at them. I think it's because of greek myths. ^^
I'm a japanese descendant and I'm crazy about owls. Specially, Tyto alba that's a common owl here, in Brazil.
Keep on publishing. (^ _ ^)
Thank you for the information on Tyto alba, it looks so cute. I like it.
ReplyDeleteAnd thank you for your comment. You have excellent blogs, I am going to cook several dishes presented on your blog. My Portuguese is modest, though.
Have a nice weekend!
I'm following your blog. Really love japanese culture and you do write well! (^ _ ^)I've maintained a lot of traditional values in my family since was a child. So I familiarize with what you publish. It's good to know some trends that are actually in Japan.
ReplyDeleteHave a nice weekend too! (^ _ ^)
I am glad you find it interesting, Li-chan. I will post more owls later on, for you.
ReplyDeleteI like fukurou very much.
ReplyDeleteMe too. (^_^)
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