lucky lady

I had the pleasure of going to visit the temple near Daimon today and pulled out a lucky fortune. I got the otafuku, which is the lucky lady. I checked on the net and this is what is said about her. I thought it was really interesting and felt that it was really appropriate for me, as her luck and ambience is what I need in my life :-)

The 3rd of Feb was Setsubun and I also did the bean throwing in my apartment. I found some beans and donned on the Oni (monster) mask and threw around the beans, wishing the oni to go out and good luck to come in. It coincides with the Otafuku too since she represents Spring and usually appears after Setsubun! So that is another small coincidence. I did eat some beans but forgot to eat the number of my age, although I think I may have consumed enough for my age - give or take a few less years off my real age..! hee hee..

The Shinto goddess of mirth and sensuality, ever-smiling Otafuku is believed to have restored light to the world-by doing a humorous dance. It was comedienne who saved the world! Otafuku is also known as Okame and Uzume, in more recent times she has become an entertainer who performs during the lunar New Year celebration.In Japanese theater she represents an abundantly happy woman who brings good fortune to any man she marries. Because she represents luck, laughter and happiness (fuku in Japanese)

Otafuku is a much-beloved deity here in Japan. She's represented as a plump, cheerful woman who's not quite put together (her hair is mussed or the combs are falling out or her kimono isn't quite so), but she's always depicted as smiling (possibly laughing) and is so charming you can't help but smile back. It's as though you know you can always get a hug or a kind word or tea from her. You may have known certain women in your life who were like that-a great-aunt who had seemingly bottomless cookie jar and would let you help yourself, the godmother who was plump and gave the best hugs, the crazy college friend who could always make you laugh, even at the worst times--people who offered kindness and comfort and made you feel happy and lucky and loved.

The optimism of the deity is indicated in a temple explanation leaflet. "Otafuku assures that failure always becomes success, that misfortune becomes good fortune, that one's heart's desire will be accomplished. That is why she is called Otafuku -- "Much Felicity."According the Japanese, spring officially starts the day after Setsubun.

Look towards the future with brightness,

and the light will show you the way.

Me