Hatsuyume: The Meaning of the Hawk in First Dreams
In the quiet, sacred days following New Year’s Day in Japan, millions of people go to sleep with a specific hope in mind: to dream of something auspicious. While Western cultures often focus on New Year’s resolutions, Japanese culture places profound spiritual significance on Hatsuyume—the first dream of the year. Among the myriad symbols one might encounter in the dreamscape, few are as powerful or dynamic as the Hawk (Taka).
Known as the second luckiest omen in the famous proverb “Ichi-Fuji, Ni-Taka, San-Nasubi” (First Mt. Fuji, Second the Hawk, Third the Eggplant), the hawk represents strength, vision, and victory. But why does a bird of prey rank higher than wealth or longevity? As we explore the cultural tapestry of the “Hawk of First Dream,” we uncover a blend of samurai history, wordplay, and spiritual symbolism that travelers can still experience today.
The Origins: A Shogun’s Landscape
To understand why the hawk is revered in New Year’s folklore, we must travel back to the Edo period (1603–1867) and look at the life of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of the Tokugawa shogunate. The most prevalent theory regarding the “Fuji, Hawk, Eggplant” hierarchy is that these were simply three things Ieyasu loved or that were prominent in his home province of Suruga (modern-day Shizuoka Prefecture).
Mt. Fuji was the majestic backdrop of his domain; eggplants were a prized local delicacy produced early in the season; and the hawk was the symbol of his favorite pastime—falconry. Ieyasu was an avid falconer, believing it was excellent military training. Because the Shogun was the ultimate authority, dreaming of items associated with him was considered a transfer of his immense power and luck to the dreamer.
Another theory relates to geography surrounding Mt. Fuji. Near the mountain, there is a secondary peak known as Ashitaka (associated with hawks), reinforcing the connection between the sacred mountain and the bird.
The Legend and Symbolism
Beyond the historical connection to the Shogun, the hawk holds deep independent symbolism in Japanese folklore. In the context of Hatsuyume, the hawk is interpreted through both its physical attributes and linguistic puns.
The Phonetic Power
In Japanese, the word for hawk is Taka. This is a homophone for Takai, which means “high” or “tall.” Therefore, dreaming of a hawk suggests rising high in the world, promotion, or an elevation in status. While Mt. Fuji represents the pinnacle of stillness and durability, the hawk represents the pinnacle of active motion.
The Hunter’s Spirit
Unlike the eggplant (which represents fertility or “achieving” things due to the pun on nasu), the hawk is a hunter. Dreaming of a hawk implies that the dreamer possesses the keen vision to spot opportunities and the sharp talons to seize them. It is an omen of aggressive success—perfect for business owners, students facing exams, or anyone seeking a breakthrough in the coming year.
Ancient Roots
The reverence for raptors goes back further than the Edo period. In the Nihon Shoki (Chronicles of Japan), a golden kite (a type of hawk) is said to have perched on the bow of Emperor Jimmu during his conquest, dazzling his enemies with divine light. Thus, the hawk has been a messenger of divine intervention and military victory for millennia.
Modern Culture: Keeping the Dream Alive
In modern Japan, the literal belief that one’s dream on the night of January 1st (or January 2nd, depending on the region) predicts the year’s fortune has faded slightly, yet the imagery remains ubiquitous. You will find the “Hawk” motif on New Year’s greeting cards (nengajo), printed on decorative chopsticks, and woven into protective amulets (omamori).
A traditional custom that some households still practice involves the Takarabune (Treasure Ship). People place a picture of the Seven Lucky Gods sailing on a treasure ship under their pillow on New Year’s Eve to induce lucky dreams. These pictures often subtly incorporate the motif of the hawk soaring above the ship, ensuring that if a dream comes, it is a powerful one.
Traveler’s Tips: Seeking the Hawk
If you are visiting Japan, you don’t have to wait for a dream to encounter the auspicious energy of the hawk. Here is how you can incorporate this cultural icon into your travels:
1. Falconry Demonstrations
Japanese falconry (Takagari) is a preserved intangible cultural asset. One of the best places to witness this is at the Hamarikyu Gardens in Tokyo. Every New Year (typically January 2nd or 3rd), traditional falconers dressed in Edo-period samurai garb demonstrate the skills of their hawks. It is a stunning display of the very tradition Tokugawa Ieyasu loved.
2. Mt. Fuji and Shizuoka
Travel to Shizuoka Prefecture, the home of the legend. Visit Kunozan Toshogu Shrine, the original burial place of Tokugawa Ieyasu. The shrine is ornate and filled with symbolism relevant to the Shogun’s life. While there, you can view Mt. Fuji and enjoy local eggplant dishes, effectively completing the “Ichi-Fuji, Ni-Taka, San-Nasubi” trifecta in the waking world.
3. Omamori Hunting
Visit major shrines like Meiji Jingu (Tokyo) or Fushimi Inari Taisha (Kyoto) during the first week of January (Hatsumode). Look for omamori (charms) specifically designed for success or victory (katsumori). These often feature hawk imagery or arrows (fletched with hawk feathers), symbolizing the ability to hit your targets in the coming year.
Sources & Further Reading
For those interested in diving deeper into the mythology and history behind these symbols, the following texts and locations are recommended:
- The Nihon Shoki (Chronicles of Japan): For the ancient account of the Golden Kite (Hawk) assisting Emperor Jimmu.
- Tokugawa Jikki: The official records of the Tokugawa Shogunate, detailing Ieyasu’s fondness for falconry.
- Hatsuyume Folklore: Various Edo-period ukiyo-e prints depict the “Three Lucky Dreams,” offering a visual history of how the hawk was perceived by commoners of the era.