Yakudoshi

Yakudoshi（厄年） is a set of believed "unlucky" ages in Japan. First proposed in the Heian period, both its existence or scientific validity are questionable. Nevertheless, it is a firmly held custom of belief in Japan.

History

The theory is believed to originate from Onmyōdō however there are no definite sources. The exactly ages of which years are Yakudoshi is also varied for example in Irohajiruishou 色葉字類抄 from the Heian period it states that the years 13, 25, 37, 49, 61, 73, 85, 97 are unlucky.^[1] On the other hand another document Shuugaishou 拾芥抄 from the Kamakura period states 13, 25, 37, 49, 61, 73, 99 are Yakudoshi years.^[2] The source Kanei 寛永 states 13, 25, 37, 49, 61, 85, 99 from the 16th century.^[3] Lastly in Buddhist teachings 7, 13, 33, 37, 42, 49, 52, 61, 73, 85, 97, 105 are considered unlucky.^[1] This disagreement within the source materials, shows a progression of the theory over a number of years. However, it also shows the greatest flaw with this theory in that none of the source materials numbers match up and therefore brings discredit to the theory. The ideas of 'Yin and Yang' play heavily in this theory as for good years there is a belief that the opposite must exist. Some other theories propose that the origin of these years come from the homophones of the words for example 42 -> 4 2 -> Shi Ni -> Death.^[4]

Summary

Unlucky years are different for men and women, in old thinking, for men 25, 42, 61 are unlucky and 19, 33, 37 for women. In particular 42 is said to be the most unlucky for men and 33 for women. It is believed that in these years the person may meet with great misfortune. Therefore many believe it is necessaries to make preparations for these years.^[5]

An additional unlucky period from new years till the 12pm the day before the birthday of the unlucky year and also the year before and after the unlucky are supposed to be unlucky also. The year before your unlucky year is called 'Maeyaku' in which an omen is said to appear.

Foundation

There is no supporting evidence for the existence of Yakudoshi and thus it is a superstition. Some proponents of this theory put forth that for men 19-25 are the end of puberty and a time of transitioning into adulthood. In addition, men at 33 and 42 are transitions into being middle aged therefore stress and duties come at these ages. For women, raring children and living a life of housework could cause unseen accidents and illness which again is proposed evidence for this theories case. However, in reality these items do not always happen or match up with the proposed ages, and therefore goes against the theory. During a year of bad luck many do cleansing rituals and buy charms to ask for Buddha's protection.

References