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Bundle 66: Staving Off Doom

These essays show how the Japanese spot omens in small details. If a sandal thong breaks, that portends doom, such as death or an accident. When a product logo slopes to the right, the item alarmingly symbolizes economic decline. To stave off misfortune, people take measures: After lightning strikes, they chant to ward off bad luck. When a party must end, a host announces this euphemistically, avoiding words that suggest separation or divorce. People associate the 水 of 水曜日 (Wednesday) with a term for "to be canceled," so realtors typically take Wednesdays off to avoid having contracts canceled.
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宴
banquet
JOK: 1025
See which Mishima novel prompted a lawsuit. Find out about the symbolism of dumplings in moon-viewing celebrations. Learn how people say, "The party is in full swing," "She's the guest of honor at tonight's banquet," "We take reservations for all sorts of parties," "I would like to host a small gathering next month," and "Thank you very much for inviting me to this party."
肩
shoulder
JOK: 1212
Your head rests on two good shoulders. The roads you travel on may have shoulders. Metaphorically, your shoulders help you carry the weight of burdens. Clearly, you need to know how to discuss shoulders. This essay will teach you key vocabulary and expressions related to this topic. You'll find out, for instance, what a tap on the shoulder means in Japan. Furthermore, you'll learn what the slope of shoulders indicates about someone's state of mind.
祥
good omen
JOK: 1398
This kanji takes us on quite a ride, from good omens to scandals ("unlucky things," according to the kanji) to discussions of origins and birthplaces (e.g., of reiki, golf, or a "super embankment"). Learn to say that Osaka is the birthplace of "conveyor belt" sushi, and find out about a crazy theory that Noah's Ark departed from Japan, making that country the birthplace of world civilization!
桑
mulberry
JOK: 1518
The Japanese have found uses for every part of the mulberry - the fruit, leaves, wood, bark, and roots. In Japan, mulberries have been so important that some maps mark mulberry fields. Aside from its mulberry connections, 桑 factors into the names of several significant places, including San Francisco and Japan itself! Our kanji also pops up in surprising sayings and a famous bit of wordplay.
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