hinoe-uma

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Yaoya Oshichi : A Story about Love and Fire ~ Part 2

We continue with part 2 on the story of Yaoya Oshichi. This time around, we’ll look at the various details surrounding her story and how it affects different aspects of Japanese life. Also, there will be a few extra tidbits that have some connection that are unique in there own rights.

Another artwork of Oshichi climbing the ladder of a watch tower. This one also has a version of her story written on it. From the series “Kokon Meifuden” (古今名婦傳). By Utagawa Toyokuni.

CURSE OF THE FIRE HORSE?

Let’s address the underlining point behind Oshichi’s story, which is the significance of the Zodiac year. Oshichi is said to be born in 1666, which is a year that falls on the Fire Horse. If we examine more thoroughly, we’ll learn that in the 60-year Lunar cycle, the Fire Horse always falls on the 43rd year.

Below is a chart that lists the years of the Fire Horse, from the start of Edo period all the way down to future points in modern times (left to right, top to bottom).

1606166617261786
1846190619662026
208621462206etc.

Since Oshichi’s birth year aligns with this, rumors started to spread that she naturally had the tendency of being overtly passionate about love, which will lead her to go extreme lengths for forbidden love due to being overstimulated by her sign’s energy. This was promoted heavily through the novel “Kōshoku Gonin Onna” (好色五人女) by Ihara Saikaku, which came out around 3 years after Oshichi’s death. Although it was not the 1st source, this novel was received as a popular piece. Thus, Ihara’s work contributed to pushing those rumors as if truth, which eventually became a standardized ideology directed to any women who would be born on any of the years listed above. However, the reality is there’s no correlation between the Fire Horse sign and committing crimes. Oshichi shouldn’t be used as a scapegoat to push this narrative, for her crimes were committed based on her rash choices alone.

On the other hand, there are researchers who point out another inconsistency with her age at time of death. While it is believed she was 16 at the start of her story in 1682, Oshichi dying at the age of 17 means her birthday was early in 1683. But this is not consistent between the numerous versions of her story, where some say she died when she was 16. If we are to go with that, then this means she was not born in 1666, but possibly a year later. If this is the case, then this whole narrative of women and the Fire Horse sign was a complete fabrication.

PREJUDICE AGAINST WOMEN

Continuing with the above, there is a collection of defamations outlining the dangers of women that are born in the year of the Fire Horse. The majority of them focus on when these women fall in love. Interestingly, it actually didn’t start with Oshichi and her crime. In 1662, a poet/performer by the name of Yamaoka Genrin (山岡元隣) compiled a collection of poems and songs. In it was one that goes as the following:

ORIG: Hinoe uma narazuba otoko kui zaramashi (ひのえ午ならずば 男くいざらまし)
TRANS: A woman won’t lust for men, unless she is born under the sign of the Fire Horse

Apparently, this prejudice stems from much earlier, possibly as early as 1606. Unfortunately, there are no detailed records as to why. After Oshichi’s incident, this view against women of the Fire Horse sign intensified, becoming the norm across Japan as it was used as a basis in artworks, songs, and the like. The following are just some of the phrases in Japanese I was able to come across, followed by my English transliteration below.

Women born under the Fire Horse sign are portrayed as troublesome due to their intense love. In the follow artwork entitled “Uta makura” (歌まくら) by Kitagawa Utamaro, a woman is shown confronting her partner regarding his love letters to another woman, and overpowering him. Could it be that their wrath is something like this? From Ukiyoe are ya kore ya.

ORIG: Hinoe uma hiru no chigiri mo taenu beshi (丙午昼の契りも絶へぬべし)
TRANS: Women of the Fire Horse sign are only good to be with late in the day

ORIG: Hinoe uma tataru made koso inochi nare (丙午祟るまでこそ命なれ)
TRANS: When a woman of the Fire Horse sign risks her life for something, it will lead to others getting hurt

ORIG: Hinoe uma no onna naredomo sore ni wa yorazu, otoko ni kuwarete koko chi nayamishi (ひのえ午の女なれどもそれにはよらず、男に喰れてここ地なやみし)
TRANS: Women of the Fire Horse sign aren’t bad as they say, it’s just that once they are with a man, they lose their minds and common sense

ORIG: Hinoe uma no onna ha kanarazu otoko wo kuwaeru to yo ni tsutaeshi ga, sore ni kagirazu (丙午の女は必ず男を喰へると世に伝えしが、それには限らず)
TRANS: It’s known throughout the lands that women of the Fire Horse sign are renown for pleasing men, but that’s not all they’re good for

ORIG: Kanarazu hinoe uma no onna, otto wo kamu mono ni arazu (かならず丙午のおんな、夫をかむものにあらず)
TRANS: Women who are born under the Fire Horse sign are just not fit to be made a wife

Of course, all of these statements are baseless, and are stemmed from an unforeseen bias against women. In fact, there is no supportive data regarding disasteous marraiges with women who were born in the Fire Horse year.

THE GREAT FIRE OF 1682

In part 1, we established that Oshichi’s story begins with her family home catching fire on 12/28/1682¹. Different versions of the story also, from what I understand, use the same date. This actually coincides with a particular tragedy that befell Edo on the same date. While in the Tenna Shōishū it sounds like Oshichi’s family home being lost to a fire was an isolated incident, it’s also not wrong to consider that the fire actually affected many others within their neighborhood.

Let’s look at this horrific day documented as “Tenna no Taika” (天和の大火), or “Tenna era’s Great Fire”, and see how it parallels with Oshichi’s story. On the same date, a wild blaze caused hundred of homes and structures to be burnt down, claiming thousands of lives. It’s not recorded what the cause was, but it’s easy to speculate that, being a time when many families, businesses, and establishments are busy with events related to the close of the year, some unfortunate accident big enough may have occurred. In the aftermath, displaced residences took refuge at a large spare housing complex² which was in the grounds of the temple Daienji (大円寺). This disaster left a mark in Japan’s history, and is labeled as one of ten major fire calamities that afflicted Edo³.

As an example of a fire out of control, here’s an artwork entitled “Outbreak of the Fire Viewed from Hisamatsucho”(久松町ニ而見る出火 明治十四年二月十一日夜出火). It takes the point of view of someone safely away from a raging fire consuming many homes in the distance. By Kiyochika Kobayashi. From ukiyo-e.

It’s not wrong to assume that this disaster is the cause of the Yaoya family’s home. Of course, Oshichi is not the cause of it. On the other hand, there seems to be a perculiar version which implies that, when she set her family’s house on fire in order to see her lover again⁴, it spreads to other houses, and causes a disaster similar to the real life fire disaster. Some artworks depict this, with her climbing a watch tower to ring the alarm bell and beat the warning drums. In this version, as she descends the ladder, she is caught by authorities. Another point worth mentioning, some versions use the same set up of Daienji temple, but with a different name, sometimes closer to the name of another temple, or something completely made up.

With the Great Fire as the starting point, it’s safe to say that Oshichi’s story parallels what unfolded after this disaster to an extent, from displaced residents finding shelter to lost property being rebuilt. Note that all versions take the liberty of changing things so as to not match real events 100%, which includes dates, locations, and the number of households afflicted.

LATE ENTRY IN GOVERNMENT DOCUMENTS?!?

If Oshichi’s crime was true, it should be documented in the records associated with Suzugamori Prison. While one would assume this, apparently this is not the case. There is an official Edo government crime & punishment recording called “Oshioki Saikyochō” (御仕置裁許帳) which, suprisingly, doesn’t mention anything in the logs during 1683 about Oshichi and her crimes of starting a fire. However, in a 1691 log there is mention of a woman named Oshichi who was convicted of a crime. If this is the same person, why did it take 8 years to finally be recorded?

Let’s look further into this. The actual name in this log is written different as “お志ち”. This is in hiragana writing, which one can considered as a plain form. No kanji is used⁵, meaning it can’t be officially connected to the Oshichi from 1683. Also, it is noted that this Oshichi was a housewife, yet we know that the one in question was not married. Also, this one is said to be the wife of a man named “Kyūbei” (久兵衛), who was the head of the Sanaezaka (左内坂) household in Ichigaya, Edo. Other than the pronunciation of their names, the other similar point this woman has is she was also convicted for attempted arson, with her punishment being burned to death.

Was this inclusion in that record meant to rectify an oversight of being 8 years late? Can this information in the 1691 entry be considered the real details that were being concealed? This has yet to be confirmed.

OSHICHI’S DAY

March 29 is remembered as ”Yaoya Oshichi no Hi” (八百屋お七の日), or “Day of Yaoya Oshichi”. This is the day in 1683 when she was executed at the age of 17⁶. It seems unusual that someone who committed a crime would have a day of recognition. It is not a major holiday, nor one of celebration. Instead, this day serves some other purposes.

For starters, in the literary world, the idea of tragic love story is greatly highlighed by Oshichi’s story, so it serves as a solid candidate by fans of this genre. Next, this day is used to promote the importance of fire safety, and remind people that it is a crime to willingly commit arson. Lastly, some use this day as a reminder of maintaining a good relationship through expressing oneself earnestly, communicating through proper conversations, as well as possessing a healthy well being emotionally and mentally.

While there is a level of positivity with the points mentioned above, we can’t forget that this day also serves as grounds for further discrimination. This includes women born in the year of the Fire Horse, and parents avoiding naming their daughters “Oshichi”, as the name has become taboo due to association. On a sighly related note, the image of Oshichi and the numerous facades of her tale became popular at times, as if her notoriety was seen as a fad. It got to the point where the label “Oshichi-kaze” (お七風, Oshichi fever) was used for a case of influenza that struck Japan in the early 1800s, partly due to the popularity of a song about this same young girl and her tragic story.

OSHICHI’S GRAVE

In the front area within the compound of temple Enjōji (円乗寺), there is a small gravesite. It’s more than just her remains being kept here, for there are attractive banners, flowers, garden lanterns, and two paper lanterns. It’s a very attractive appearance. However, this is not the only alleged gravesite of hers, for there are more. This includes one at Kichijōji (吉祥寺), and another at Daienji (大円寺). The last one is unique as it claims to have the remains of both Oshichi and her lover. Which one is the true gravesite? Who knows. There’s a great possibility that none are the true gravesite of Oshichi, and merely serve as an honorary site, which is not an unusual practice.

Images of the 2 gravesites: Kichijouji (left) and Daienji (right). From Photo-AC.

The main reason for many of these temples to setup an honorary gravesite is due to their connections to Oshichi’s story…or should I say one the numerous versions out there. For example, the temple Kichijōji is used as the location where Oshichi and her family stayed in the popular novel “Kōshoku Gonin Onna” , albeit only in reference⁷. At the end of the day, these honorary gravesites serve as attractions, further contributing to the long-lasting popularity of Oshichi and her story.

GUARDIAN STATUES

While most view Oshichi’s story in a negative light, there are those who tried to put a positive spin on this. After her death, Oshichi was idolized in the form of a jizō (地蔵), or a statue of protection. Statues like these are normally made in the image of a diety, but nowadays they may also represent a person, or even anime characters. Their purpose is to grant protection in areas they are placed in. When based on an actual person, it is also said to be done to help “appease” the spirit of the deceased, to avoid bad energy or vengeful actions in case they were not properly laid to rest. Currently two temples are known to have her jizō, with the first being Mitsugonin (密厳院) in Oomori Prefecture, and the second being Daienji in Tokyo City.

An image of Yaoya Oshichi’s jizō at Mitsugonin. From Ota District’s main site.

Each of these jizō have their own story. For the one at Mitsugonin, Oshichi’s statue is nicknamed “ichiya jizō” (一夜地蔵), which indicates it’s ability to grant good fortune through completing a task in the span of one night. The legend attached to this name states that after Oshichi’s soul was transferred into the jizō, a medically ill young person was tasked to carrying it from Suzugamori Prison all the way to Mitsugonin. Accomplishing this in one night, the youth was unexpectedly granted good fortune and cured from the illness. Thus, it is believed that if you make a wish before the Oshichi statue, it is possible for it to be granted in one night.

As for the story behind the jizō at Daienji, this one takes a different, more logically reasonable turn. In this one, her lover who, after becoming a monk, prayed for Oshichi’s happiness in the afterlife. To ensure this, an ōfuku-nenbutsu (往復念仏, chant involving alternating recitation of the Buddha’s name) procession was conducted in Edo between the temples Meiōin and Asakusa Kannon for 25 years and 5 months. After the last procession, it is revealed that Oshichi appeared in a dream, and announced that she has entered nirvana⁸. Through this vision, the jizō in her semblance was made.

STRICT PUNISHMENT AGAINST ARSON

Despite no harm caused by her, the attempted act of arson on Oshichi’s family home was rebuked seriously in Japan during Edo period. So much that she was convicted and subjected to death through burning. Dishing out a severe punishment is a reflection of Japan’s history with fires. After the establishment of the Tokugawa shogunate and the restructuring of Japan to head towards a more peaceful and modernized nation, this opened the door of monitoring society. One of the points of concern that was recognized by the government was the increased cases of fire outbreaks.

The threat of fire outbreaks was of great concern for many reasons. For starters, due to Japan’s humid climate, along with most homes being bulit out of wood with paper materials used in furnitures within homes such as shōji (障子, room dividers), a small fire inside a building by an unmonitored candle fallen by a strong wind or the like could easily spread into a wild fire. Tragedies like so took place, where government structures, temples, homes, and establishments were lost due to sudden fires that turned into raging infernos. Another more concerning issue was fires set intentionally by certain individuals as a means to an end, which ranged from the sake of theft, personal grudges against another, to opposition of the Tokugawa shogunate. While fire fighting groups were established, the equipment and methods for extinguishing fires was in no way as sophisticated or technologically advanced as what we have today. Thus, when fires spread and grew out of control, fire fighters became hard pressed in trying to control the spread, let alone putting out the current blaze at hand.

To disuade any potential arsonists, as well as encourage people to be more responsible, the government created a set of rules around 1678 collectively known as “Shikkasha Zanzai Rei” (失火者斬罪令, Order of the Death Penalty to Those who Commit Arson through Negligence), which gave the rights to punish those caught as arsonists with the death penalty. This was further updated in 1742 as part of a 100-rules order known as “Osadamegaki Hyakkajō” (御定書百箇条).

A page outlining the start of Oshichi’s punishment as an arsonist, as she was tied and paraded on a horse throughout Edo. From the picture book “Ehon 2 Oshichi” (絵本 2 お七). By Miyata Isuke.

The following serves as examples how strict these rules were enforced. In one case, where there’s clear evidence of attempted arson through any form of communication (ie. a letter), that criminal will face the death penalty⁹. Next, those who intentionally start a fire for whatever reason, even if there is no significant damage, will be convicted and burned to death. Even passively being invovled would net you as an accomplise of sorts, ranging from those who hire someone else to commit arson being subjected to death, to eyewitnesses of an arson who fail to report it to also be severely punished.

Other than being sentenced to death through being burned alive, in some cases a convicted arsonist was tied up and paraded along a course through designated streets on Edo before townsfolks to be humiliated for their crimes. This same event happened to Oshichi.

This concludes our coverage on Yaoya Oshich. Despite there being unclear details of her story, coupled with a plethora of versions with varying contents, Oshichi has left a mark in Japanese history. Her story has had an influence in society, whether for good or for bad.

1) This is according to the old calendar Japan once used. Recalculated to the modern calender, it’s 1/25/1683.

2) This complex was known as koma komi (駒込). In the past before Edo period, such complexes were used to house troops, or act as a stable for horses.

3) While it’s claimed to be 10, I’ve come across listings that mention more than this number. While I’m uncertain which ones specifically fall under this count of 10, the disaster in 1682 is certainly a high candidate.

4) A few later versions actually feature Oshichi and her lover not only plotting to burn her family’s house down, but have both of them together committing the crime. In these versions, they both are arrested as arsonists and die together, making it a fitting end to a tragic love story.

5) In this case, it’s 100% true and false at the same time. Although a little complex to go into full details, I’ll explain it as simple as possible. The “shi” in this “Oshichi” (お志ち) actually is in a kanji form, but in the past this “志” kanji also served the purpose of being an alternative of the hiragana “し”. Thus, it is not used as the familiar kanji version, and is just plain writing as hiragana.

6) Oshichi’s age is always reported as being 16 at the time of meeting her lover, but 17 upon her death. It’s possible that at some time between these was her birthday. Yet, some researchers propose using the kazoedoshi (数え年) method of calculating one’s age, and add 1 year to her age, stating that she was 17 when the met. If that’s the case, then she was executed at the age of 18. It’s very confusing!

7) In the actual novel the temple was called “Kichijōin” (吉祥院). The last kanji was changed, as a parody of the real temple. Despite this, readers still associate Kichijōji to the novel.

8) Or, another way to read this is Oshichi entered Buddhahood.

9) Unless specifically stated as being burned to death, the use of the term death penalty is vague, as there were various methods for executing criminals. The punishment chosen was most likely in relations to the type of crime commited.

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Umadoshi: Charging into 2026

Welcome 2026! As the 1st post of the year, we start off with a review of this year’s Zodiac sign. For those who follow this on their own, or have seen related posts on social media, are aware that the Zodiac animal is the horse. Although the Lunar year officially starts on February 17th, there’s so much talk about it that many have been preparing in advance. What’s in the horizon for us under this hardworking & dependable animal? From the looks of things, this year is very dynamic and can either open the doors to great opportunities or unexpected challenges.

In this article, we will cover the natural perceptions the physical horse, and their roles in society over the ages. Following that will be the breakdown of the Zodiac sign, the components that make up the predictions for this year, along with some well known phrases & expressions.

An image of a horse representing the new year. From Photo-AC.

MANKIND’S BEST COMPANION

Looking at the history of the horse, whether Asia or other parts of the world, it’s not hard to grasp just how big of a role they have played. Whether carrying warriors into battle, pulling carts for passengers or goods, or running at breakneck speed to deliver it’s rider to their destination, the horse is a creature that has walked side-by-side with humans due to its ease in domestication and the various ways in how they help us.

The depiction of horses is just as amazing in myths and fables. Chinese culture helped plant the seeds for this, with many legendary tales depicting horses as powerful creatures, representatives of status for the aristocrats, as well as symbols of brave companions for great heroes. There are many interpretations of them possessing amazing traits or supernatural abilities, including tales of a particular half-horse, half-dragon hybrid. Japan was influenced by these through culturual exchange. With literary works, teachings from Buddism as well as Shinto teachings, Japan society also was graced with many vivid images of horses acting as messengers of deities, as well as transportation for them when they descend from the heavens to the earthly realm.

With horses bearing so many respectable qualities such a sturdy & fast legs, a strong sense of independence, and being a reliable companion to humans, the horse sign tends to be viewed in a positive light, usually bringing good fortune.

INTERPRETING THE ZODIAC

The year of the horse is pronounced as “umadoshi” (午年) In Japanese. Linguistically, the proper kanji for horse is “馬”, with the pronunciation being “uma”. However, the sign/kanji used to represent the horse in the Zodiac system is “午”, which had no association with the horse in its early conception within China until centuries later. How was it interpreted before this? During the earlier period when the Zodiac system was devised and was understood mainly through the seed/plant analogy, the “午” kanji possessed the meaning of a fully grown plant showing signs of withering.

When the Zodiac was interjected into society more, the horse imagery was attached to this sign, making it easier to remember amongst the masses. Through this, it became more natural for the sign’s readings like “energetic spirit”, “success”, and “the power to win” to be interpreted through human’s relationship with the horse.

ZODIAC USAGE IN EVERYDAY LIFE

The following below is a list of useful data concerning this year’s Zodiac sign and how it played a role in the daily lives of people in the past.

  • Zodiac number: 7th sign
  • Pronunciation: go (original)
  • Direction: south / true south¹
  • Time: between 11:00 am to 1:00 pm (usually points to 12 pm)
  • Month: 5th month (old calendar), 6th month (modern calendar)
  • Ying/Yang: yang
  • Element: fire

While not significant in modern times, there’s still use of these today in specialized fields. Here’s a few related tidbits pertaining to the horse sign:

  • It is one of the cardinal directions, being the opposite of north
  • Just as how the north and south poles do not meet², the horse sign and mouse sign of the Zodiac are generally said to be opposites, thus not getting along³
  • Represents the afternoon, when the sun is at its highest in the sky⁴

THE BLAZING HORSE

We’ve covered the Zodiac animal. Now, let’s look at the energy for this year. Following the 5 Elements and Ying/Yang concept, the energy for this year is light, while the 10-Heavenly Stems, in its 43rd year, falls on the fire element. The sign used in the 10-Heavenly Stems system representing fire is “丙” or “hinoe”. Together, this energy/element combo gives off a sense of a flame as big & bright as the sun, wrapping everything around in its warmth. When applied to humans, it means someone who is overflowing with vibrant life energy.

An image of a fire horse, blazing the ground with each step. Is it charging forward to glory, or will it burn out into failure? By Erkut2 from pixabay

As mentioned earlier, the horse sign is already associated with the fire element. In conjunction with the hinoe sign, we have double fire elements, which happens once in the 60-year Zodiac cycle. It’s easy to focus on this on a positive sense, such as “being fueled with passion and charging forward with near unlimited energy to see our goals completed”. However, there is also the negative side of this, such as being overbearing and blind through “passion”. Such a hot-headed, unyielding personality can lead to chaos.

Thus, with double fire energy coming from both the Zodiac horse and the 10-Heavenly Stems, we get the proper name for the year as “hinoe-uma”, or “fire horse”.

HOW TO APPROACH FORTUNE IN THE NEW YEAR

What’s the prediction for this year’s Zodiac? Normally, the Zodiac horse is read as a sign with good fortunate. In fact, it falls in line with the dog and tiger Zodiacs as being the 3 lucky signs⁵.

Those born in the year of the “fire horse” are said to have a fiery passion when approaching their tasks, and charge head on with an energetic spirit to succeed. All this is possible with little need for rest. For the sake of success, others born under different signs should follow suit in order to see fortune come their way, despite whatever obstacles that may come up. Yet, one must also be careful of burnout, and running headlong towards failure. To stay on track, we must take time to stop, be patience, take proper guidance, and possess a vision of what we want to accomplish and how.

While the traits are similar between men and women born in the year of the horse other than for some small differences (i.e. men enjoying their solo time, women more straight forward with their feelings), there are always those words of caution regarding avoiding disaster, sometimes told through old tales. For this year, there is a lingering superstition about women needing to take caution about letting their passionate emotion run amok. This is tied to certain real-life events that took place early in the Edo period. I plan to cover this in another article, so look out for that discussion later.

PHRASES & EXPRESSIONS

The Zodiac signs have no shortage of interesting phrases that have interesting, and at times humorous, meanings. There are plenty related to the horse, all fitting in many unique categories.

The following two are said to be good references to the 2026 Zodiac year.

  • ウマくいく / 馬九行久 (uma kuiku; quick horse)
    This means being adept to quickly take on any request at a drop of a dime.

    A little more on this phrase, it’s a play on words using the word “uma” and following it with the phonetics of 9 (ku), the 1st syllable from the word “to go” (i) and one of the phonetics of the word “long duration of time” (ku) to create the sound of the word “quick”.
  • 馬力 (bariki; horse power)
    A simple phrase wishing one to have a year where they are filled with strength and vitality.

Now here’s a select few. There are quite a good number of old ones here, with some dating back to ancient Chinese proverbs.

  • 人間万事塞翁が馬 (ningen banji saiō ga uma; a horse can represent the unexpected fortunes and hardships humans face in life)
    Reflecting the tone for this year, the meaning for this phrase is taking all that comes one’s way, whether it be good fortune or bad luck. In other words, accept the unpredictability of life experiences.⁶
  • 勝ち馬に乗る (kachi uma ni noru; ride on the victory horse)
    This is used when a person “rides” on the coattail of someone who’s on the fast track to success in order to benefit as well.
  • 千里の馬は常に有れども伯楽は常に無し (senri no uma ha tsune ni aridomo hakuraku ha tsune ni nashi; even if you have a famed running horse, it won’t be put to good use if there’s no skilled horse trader to evaluate its value)
    A well-known yet lengthy phrase that originates from the Chinese scholar Han Yu’s⁷ “Zassetsu”⁸, it stresses that a qualified leader can distinguish those who possesses outstanding abilities. Without this, those individuals won’t be able to shine.
  • 馬の耳に念仏 (uma no mimi ni nenbutsu; reciting Buddhist invocation to a horse)
    A phrase that paints a vivid image, but is not straightforward. The meaning expressed here is the uselessness of preaching to a person who doesn’t have the capacity to understand the topic. There are many types of expressions like this using the horse analogy, but worded differently.
  • 老いたる馬は道を忘れず (oitaru uma wa michi wo wasurezu; an old horse never forgets the road taken)
    We can interpret this saying referencing a person who is wise and has good judgement. These traits are apparent with how accurate they are able to handle an unforeseen situation, which is usually something earned by those with experience.
  • 馬子にも衣装 (mago ni mo ishō; the packhorse driver can also don on fine garments)
    The meaning behind this is that anyone, even those of low qualities or status, can look magnificent through wearing the right outfits.

ENDING

This covers the horse Zodiac sign for the new year. There are a few more articles being prepped to match the theme for this year. Until then, wish everyone to have a good start on any planned goals, and charge forward (with good judgement) to see them through to the very end!

1) There are 4 absolute directions, which are tied to a Zodiac animal equivalent: true north (mouse), true south (horse), true east (rabbit), and true west (rooster).

2) North & south are connected linearly on a perfect longitude of 0° and 180°. Speaking of which, in relations to Earth, the meridian line that divides the earth into east hemisphere and west hemisphere is called “shigosen” (子午線) in Japanese, which uses the Zodiac kanji for the mouse and the horse.

3) In terms of a person’s personality and compatibility, Zodiac readings normally say that the horse and mouse cannot get along due to being total opposites (i.e the horse being hard-working and independent, while the mouse being clever and opportunist). Of course, this should not be taken as fact.

4) The Japanese word for afternoon is “gozen” (午前), which also uses the same kanji for the horse in the Zodiac.

5) To elaborate, these three Zodiac signs form what is called “sangō kakyoku” (三合火局), due to their strong fire energy. This is according to a fortunetelling method called “Shichū suimei” (四柱推命), which incorporates the 5 Elements and Ying/Yang concept.

6) This saying is a complex one! A bit of investigation was needed here, even to understand how to translate the saying into simple English. To really grasp the meaning is to understand the origin. There is an old philisophical book called “Huáinánzǐ” (淮南子, Enanji in Japanese) compiled by scholars from Huainan area during the reign of Emperor Wǔ dì (159 bc ~ 87 bc) in China’s early Han Dynasty. In this book is a short story that lays the roots to the saying, which is summarized as the following:

“There was an old man who resided in a castle up in the north. One day, his horse had escaped the castle walls and ran away. Perplexed, the worried old man went out and searched for it. In the end, he not only found the horse, but also gained a few more that was accompanying it.”

There are a few more short stories tied to this saying, but the one above is a good representation using the horse analogy.

7) Han Yu (韓愈) (768 – 824) is a famous figure who was a writer, scholar, and government official during the Tang Dynasty.

8) “Zassetsu” (雑説) is a collection of theories and short stories compiled by Han Yu.