This popular festival chases away demons while welcoming happiness into one' s home. It is an ancient ritual intended to repel evil spirits and bring luck to the inhabitants.Īs we mentioned earlier, the Japanese oni is also the star of Setsubun, a matsuri that announces the arrival of spring according to the lunar calendar. Onidaiko is a festival originating from the island of Sado where onis dance to the rhythm of drums. In addition to local myths and legends, Japanese demons have an important place in arts such as Japanese theater and folk dances. The Japanese demon is often a part of traditional Japanese festivals. Source: Festivals and ceremonies dedicated to the Japanese Oni Also, he frequently appears in Japanese manga, video games and anime. Some traditional festivals are dedicated to him. The oni is a popular figure in Japanese folklore. □ The place of the oni in Japanese culture Did you know that the oni was originally a sign of recognition for the Japanese mafia? Indeed, many yakuza wore oni tattoos as a reminder of the respect of the code of honor. Some express the darkness and the dark side of the personality while others would be rather synonymous of protection and justice. Mythological figures are quite common in the world of tattoos both for their appearance and their meaning. Actors wear a traditional oni mask with an angry expression to play demonic characters. In No theater, the Japanese demon is a recurring protagonist. This is also the reason why some shrines are decorated with oni heads. This mask is said to have the power to ward off evil spirits and to attract good luck. Meaning of the Oni maskĭuring the traditional Setsubun festival, many Japanese people can be found wearing the oni mask. Paradoxically, the Japanese demon is also a figure of protection and good fortune. This is why the oni is illustrated with horns, claws or a tiger skin. This orientation corresponds to the tiger ox in the Chinese zodiac. It is also associated with the northeast direction ( kimon) which is the source of all misfortune in Japan. In art and literature, he attracts destruction, plagues and disease around him. The Japanese oni represents bad luck and violence in Japanese culture. The latter look like the rakshasas of the Hindu mythology. He then took on the appearance of Chinese demons. Integrated into Buddhism, their reputation deteriorated over time and the oni became the monster that we know today, eager for cruelty. In the oldest legends, the oni were great benevolent spirits who lived in Japanese mountains and protected humans from evil forces. Originally, it seems that this term was used to describe all invisible entities without distinction before it came to refer to the demon oni. The word " Oni" (鬼) refers to ghost or spirit in Japanese. However, there are exceptions, as nature is such: some onis would be kind and would protect kamis or people. After staying in the world of darkness, the oni then returns to Earth to torment and devour humans. Moreover, it is said that when a malevolent human being dies, his spirit is reincarnated as a demon oni in order to serve Enma-daio, king of the Buddhist hell ( Jigoku). In Buddhist representations, hell is populated by numerous onis that torture humans. In Japanese arts, such as paintings or prints, he is often represented with a kanabo, a kind of club with iron spikes to better torture his victims.Įndowed with supernatural strength, and a thirst for inflicting suffering, the oni is a demonic yokai that has been terrifying human beings for over a thousand years. This Japanese devil is a polymorphous creature and can change his form to fool human beings. ![]() ![]() He can be red, blue or green, dressed in a tiger skin loincloth or sometimes in traditional clothes, according to the legends. However, its appearance varies according to the region. It has a humanoid form and animal attributes: two horns, long claws and sometimes boar's tusks. With its giant size, its frightening look, its brightly colored skin and its sharp teeth, the oni looks quite like an ogre or a troll. Japanese mythology is full of extraordinary creatures, each one being stranger than the other. ![]() ![]() But, what is hidden behind this evil spirit? Let's focus on this absolutely terrifying character. Did you know that Japan is populated by supernatural creatures, also known as yokai? Among them, the Japanese oni is a very popular demon in Japanese folklore.
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