Unlocking Hatsuyume: The Japanese Tradition of the First Dream
While New Year’s Eve in the West is defined by fireworks and countdown parties, the Japanese New Year (Oshogatsu) is a deeply spiritual and quiet affair. It is a time for family, temple visits, and cleansing. However, once the festivities of January 1st wind down and people drift off to sleep, another significant tradition begins: Hatsuyume, or the “First Dream.”
In Japanese culture, the subject of the first dream you have in the New Year is believed to foretell your fortune for the coming twelve months. From majestic mountains to humble vegetables, the imagery in your sleep carries profound symbolism.
The Origins of Dream Divination
The concept of Hatsuyume has evolved significantly over centuries. In ancient Japan, dream interpretation was a serious practice used to receive messages from the kami (gods). Historically, the timing of the “first dream” was debated. During the Heian period, it was often associated with Setsubun (the beginning of spring in the lunar calendar). However, as the Gregorian calendar was adopted and New Year customs solidified during the Edo period (1603–1867), the definition shifted.
Today, Hatsuyume generally refers to the dream had on the night of January 1st, waking up on the morning of January 2nd. This shift coincided with the Edo era’s urban culture, where merchants and commoners began to popularize specific symbols of luck that remain famous today.
The Legend: One Fuji, Two Hawks, Three Eggplants
The most famous proverb regarding Hatsuyume is “Ichi-Fuji, Ni-Taka, San-Nasubi” (1. Mt. Fuji, 2. Hawk, 3. Eggplant). If you dream of these items, in this specific order, you are guaranteed a year of incredible fortune. But why this eclectic mix?
1. Mount Fuji (Fuji)
Naturally, Japan’s highest peak represents the pinnacle of success and high aspirations. It is also a play on words; Fuji sounds like fushi (immortality) or buji (safety/well-being). To dream of the mountain is to dream of achieving the impossible.
2. The Hawk (Taka)
Hawks are clever, strong hunters that fly high in the sky. The word taka is a homonym for “high” or “tall” (takai). Dreaming of a hawk symbolizes rising above your circumstances and seizing opportunities with strength.
3. The Eggplant (Nasubi)
Perhaps the most confusing to foreigners, the eggplant is considered lucky because of a linguistic pun. The word nasu (eggplant) sounds identical to the verb nasu, which means “to accomplish” or “to fulfill.” Therefore, dreaming of an eggplant suggests that your plans and hard work will bear fruit.
Modern Culture and Rituals
While few people genuinely expect to dream of hawks or eggplants in the 21st century, the tradition remains a beloved conversation starter during New Year gatherings. It is common for friends and coworkers to ask, “What was your Hatsuyume?” when returning to work.
To help induce good dreams, a tradition surviving from the Muromachi period involves the Takarabune (Treasure Ship). This mythical ship, piloted by the Seven Lucky Gods (Shichifukujin), is said to sail into port on New Year’s. Traditionally, people would place a picture of the Takarabune under their pillow before sleeping on January 1st to invite lucky dreams. If one had a nightmare, the custom was to set the picture adrift in a river to wash the bad luck away.
Traveler’s Tips for the New Year
If you are visiting Japan during Oshogatsu, you can immerse yourself in this cultural mindset, even if you don’t manage to dream of Mt. Fuji.
- Buy a Treasure Ship: Look for woodblock prints or charms depicting the Takarabune at shrines or souvenir shops in historic districts like Asakusa or Kyoto.
- Visit a Shrine: Engage in Hatsumode (the first shrine visit). Draw an Omikuji (paper fortune) to see your luck in writing, serving as a physical counterpart to the Hatsuyume.
- Spot Mt. Fuji: Winter offers the clearest skies in Japan. Take the Shinkansen from Tokyo to Kyoto, sit on the right side (seat E), and try to view the real Mt. Fuji. Seeing it in waking life is just as auspicious as seeing it in a dream!
Sources & Further Reading
For those interested in the deep roots of Japanese mythology and dream interpretation, the following texts provide essential historical context:
- The Kojiki (Records of Ancient Matters): Japan’s oldest chronicle, detailing the age of the gods and early dream divination practices.
- The Nihon Shoki (The Chronicles of Japan): Alongside the Kojiki, this text establishes the foundational myths where dreams often served as vehicles for divine intervention.
- Ukiyoe Art History: Many Edo-period woodblock prints depict the Takarabune and the “Fuji-Hawk-Eggplant” motif, illustrating how folklore influenced visual arts.