Unveiling Shakku: The Day of the Red Mouth
If you have ever glanced at a traditional Japanese calendar, you might have noticed small kanji characters written alongside the date. These are not weather predictions or public holidays, but rather the Rokuyo (six days)—a cycle used to predict good or bad fortune. Among these days lies Shakku (赤口), a day shrouded in caution and superstition, often referred to as “Red Mouth” or “Red Tongue.”
While most travelers focus on cherry blossom forecasts or temple opening hours, understanding the Rokuyo adds a fascinating layer of depth to your cultural experience. Today, we delve into the ominous nature of Shakku and how it still influences modern Japan.
Origins of the Rokuyo System
The concept of Shakku belongs to the Rokuyo system, a six-day cycle that determines the auspiciousness of a given day. This system originated in China around the 14th century and eventually made its way to Japan. However, it wasn’t until the late Edo period (1603–1867) that it gained mainstream popularity among the common people.
Initially intertwined with the lunisolar calendar, the Rokuyo were often used by gamblers and warlords seeking a metaphysical edge. Despite the Meiji government’s attempts to ban these superstitions during the modernization of Japan in the late 19th century—viewing them as antiquated—the tradition survived. Today, it remains deeply embedded in ceremonial planning, particularly for weddings, funerals, and business ventures.
The Legend: Demons and Fire
The Meaning of ‘Red Mouth’
Shakku translates literally to “Red Mouth.” The name is derived from Shakuzetsu-jin (The Red-Tongued God), a demonic figure from Onmyodo (Japanese cosmology and divination) lore. This figure is a terrifying guardian of the netherworld’s eastern gate, associated with wrath and destruction.
The Superstition of Blood and Fire
Because of the character for “Red” (赤), Shakku is historically linked to fire and blood. It is considered a day where one must be particularly careful with knives, blades, and flames. It is believed that injuries sustained on this day are likely to be more severe, and fires are more likely to spread.
The Hour of the Horse
Despite its generally unlucky nature, Shakku possesses a unique loophole. The day is considered “Bad Luck” essentially all day, except for the Hour of the Horse (noon). Specifically, the time between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM is considered auspicious (lucky). Before and after this brief window, the spirits are said to be restless, and silence or inaction is preferred.
Modern Culture: How Shakku Affects Japan Today
While younger generations in Tokyo or Osaka might check the Rokuyo only casually, the influence of Shakku is still palpable in traditional sectors.
1. Weddings and Celebrations: Shakku is generally avoided for weddings. Couples prefer Taian (Great Peace) for their nuptials. However, because Shakku is less popular, wedding venues often offer significant discounts on these days. Adventurous couples (or those less superstitious) might book a Shakku wedding, aiming to hold the actual ceremony strictly during the lucky 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM window to mitigate the bad luck.
2. Construction and Moving: Construction companies often avoid starting new projects (groundbreaking ceremonies) on Shakku due to the association with fire and injury. Similarly, moving into a new house is often postponed to a luckier day to ensure domestic safety.
3. Hospitals and Discharges: Some older Japanese people prefer not to be discharged from the hospital on a Shakku day, fearing that the “Red” association with blood might lead to a relapse or further injury.
Traveler’s Tips
As a visitor to Japan, Shakku will unlikely disrupt your itinerary, but knowing about it provides cultural context.
- Visiting Shrines: You can visit shrines on Shakku without worry. The Rokuyo are technically separate from Shinto beliefs, though the superstitions often overlap in the public consciousness.
- Gift Giving: If you are buying a souvenir for a Japanese host, avoid buying knives or scissors on a Shakku day, or presenting them on this day. The combination of the day’s meaning and the item’s function emphasizes “severing” relationships.
- Scheduling: If you notice a specific venue is oddly quiet or available on a day that should be busy, check if it is Shakku. It might be the perfect time to visit places that are usually crowded with locals celebrating auspicious events.
Sources & Further Reading
To understand the deep roots of Japanese divination and the calendar systems, the following texts and subjects provide historical context:
- The History of Onmyodo: For insights into the Yin-Yang divination that influenced the Rokuyo.
- Nihon Shoki (The Chronicles of Japan): While the Rokuyo came later, this text establishes the foundational mythology of gods and spirits in Japan.
- Japanese Almanacs (Takashima Ekidan): Modern iterations of the fortune-telling books found in Japanese households.