Hatsuyume: Decoding the Good Omens of Japan’s First Dream
In Japan, the arrival of the New Year, or Oshogatsu, is the most significant holiday of the calendar. It is a time of spiritual renewal, family gatherings, and profound superstition. While many travelers know about the ringing of temple bells and the eating of lucky soba noodles, fewer are aware of a deeply personal tradition that occurs while you sleep: Hatsuyume, or the “First Dream.”
According to Japanese folklore, the subject of the first dream you have in the New Year foretells your fortune for the coming twelve months. But what separates a nightmare from a portent of prosperity? The answer lies in a centuries-old proverb involving mountains, birds, and vegetables.
Origins of the First Dream
The concept of Hatsuyume has roots that stretch back through Japanese history, though it became firmly established in popular culture during the Edo period (1603–1867). In ancient Japan, dreams were often considered messages from the kami (gods) or spirits. The beginning of the year was seen as a liminal space where the veil between the human and divine worlds was thinnest.
There is often some debate, even among locals, regarding exactly when Hatsuyume takes place. Historically, because the day started at sunrise, the dream on the night of December 31st was considered part of the previous year. Therefore, the “First Dream” is traditionally the dream experienced on the night of January 1st, waking up on the morning of January 2nd.
The Legend: One Fuji, Two Hawks, Three Eggplants
The most famous superstition surrounding Hatsuyume is encapsulated in the proverb: “Ichi-Fuji, Ni-Taka, San-Nasubi” (First Fuji, Second Hawk, Third Eggplant). Dreaming of these three specific items is considered the ultimate sign of good luck.
1. Mt. Fuji (Fuji)
To dream of Japan’s iconic mountain is the highest honor. Phonetically, Fuji sounds like buji (safety) or fushi (immortality). Furthermore, as the highest peak in Japan, it symbolizes achieving lofty goals and standing tall against adversity.
2. The Hawk (Taka)
The hawk is a clever, strong bird of prey. In Japanese symbolism, the hawk represents rising high in the world and seizing opportunities with precision. The word taka is also a homophone for “high” or “tall,” suggesting advancement in social status.
3. The Eggplant (Nasubi)
Perhaps the most confusing to Western visitors is the eggplant. However, in Japanese, the word for eggplant (nasu) is a homophone for the verb “to accomplish” or “to achieve” (nasu). Therefore, dreaming of this purple vegetable suggests that your hard work will bear fruit and you will achieve your ambitions.
The Forgotten Continuations
Did you know the list continues? Though rarely mentioned today, the superstition originally included a fourth, fifth, and sixth omen: “Yon-Sen, Go-Tabako, Roku-Zato” (Fourth Fan, Fifth Tobacco, Sixth Blind Acupuncturist). These represent festivities, health (in the Edo context), and missed targets (or healing), respectively.
Modern Culture and Rituals
While few modern Japanese people genuinely base their year’s financial decisions on whether they dreamt of an eggplant, the tradition remains a beloved part of the cultural conversation during the first week of January. It is a common icebreaker to ask colleagues, “What was your Hatsuyume?”
To ensure a good dream, a traditional ritual involves the Takarabune (Treasure Ship). This is a picture of the Seven Lucky Gods sailing on a ship filled with treasure. During the Edo period, people would place this picture under their pillow before sleeping on January 1st to induce lucky dreams.
If you happen to have a nightmare, folklore offers a solution: you can appeal to the Baku, a mythological tapir-like creature said to devour bad dreams. Upon waking from a bad dream, one might whisper, “I give this dream to the Baku.”
Traveler’s Tips for Oshogatsu
If you are visiting Japan during the New Year, you can immerse yourself in the spiritual atmosphere that surrounds these beliefs.
- Visit a Shrine: On January 1st, 2nd, or 3rd, participate in Hatsumode (the first shrine visit). You can buy omamori (charms) specifically designed to bring luck and ward off evil spirits, serving as a physical counterpart to the Hatsuyume wishes.
- Buy a Hamaya: At shrines, look for “demon-breaking arrows” called Hamaya. These are decorative arrows placed in the home to ward off bad luck for the year.
- Mt. Fuji Views: If you can’t dream of it, see it. Winter offers the clearest views of Mt. Fuji. A trip to Hakone or Lake Kawaguchi in early January usually guarantees a stunning view of the snow-capped peak, setting a positive tone for your travels.
Sources & Further Reading
For those interested in the deep historical context of Japanese myths, dreams, and superstitions, the following texts are essential:
- The Kojiki (Records of Ancient Matters): Japan’s oldest chronicle, detailing the age of the gods, where dreams often served as divine instructions.
- The Nihon Shoki (The Chronicles of Japan): Alongside the Kojiki, this text provides the foundation for Shinto beliefs and the significance of nature worship (like Mt. Fuji).
- Kokon Chomonju: A Kamakura-period collection of tales that illustrates how deeply superstition and dream interpretation were woven into the daily lives of the samurai and commoners alike.