With Millions of people around the world celebrating Halloween this week, we thought it a good opportunity to write a short article about one of our favourite (and most ghastly) creatures of Japanese legend.
One of the great icons of Japanese folklore, the mythical Oni is a type of supernatural being, (Yokai), which closely resembles and plays a similar role as the “Troll” or “Ogre” of traditional Western Fairy tales. As always with our blogs, (and only if you’re feeling brave enough), you can click on any of the images below to see more information about the pieces featured in this article.
Oni are always muscular with incredible strength and many are accomplished users of magical powers. They are generally ferocious beasts that bring disaster and spread disease.
There is a great variety in the differing types of Oni depicted in Japanese artworks and literature but generally, they are bipedal creatures, the same height, or slightly shorter than a man. They often have red or blue skin and will almost always have wild hair, tusks and horns. The number of fingers and toes, tusks and horns and even eyes can vary from Oni to Oni.
Oni are often depicted wearing loincloths or shorts made from the pelts of great beasts. The heads of these fearsome creatures incorporated into the garment forming the leg-holes to terrifying effect.
Onis will frequently be seen with manacles at their wrists and ankles which according to legend is a symbol of the Oni’s transformation….
It is said that an Oni is created when a truly evil human being dies and is sent to one of the many Buddhist Hells. At this point, the deceased is transformed into an Oni and becomes an eternal servant of the ruler of Hell, Lord Enma.
Some Oni join the great armies of Hell whilst others are put to work punishing souls who were bad enough to be sent to be in Hell but not wicked enough to become Oni.
Either way, as a rule Oni will be confined to the boundaries of Hell but occasionally a human being is born so evil that their soul is beyond any form of redemption. These wicked folk transform into Oni whilst still alive and therefore remain on earth causing havoc and destruction and terrorising the living.
It is these earth-bound devils that are the protagonists in most legends. As they are not ruled by a master, they pose the most danger to humankind.
Setsubun is a centuries-old festival in Japan that takes place each February to mark the transition from Winter to Spring. It has become tradition for folk to throw roasted beans around their households whilst shouting “Oni wa soto! Fuku wa uchi!” which translates as “Devils out, Happiness in.” It is believed that this act will banish Oni and bad spirits from the home and welcome in light and good fortune. You can read more about Setsubun by clicking here.
Another character of Japanese legend linked to Oni is “Shoki – the Vanquisher of ghosts and evil beings. Shoki is a hugely popular figure in Oriental mythology. Originally a Chinese Deity (Zhong Kui) he was popularised in Japan during the Edo Period (1603 – 1868) and to this day, his image is often painted on gates and doors to fend off evil spirits.
As with all folkloric creatures, the attributes and myths around Oni evolved over time in order to stay relevant and serve cultural purposes. During the Meiji-restoration (late 19th Century) Oni started to take on more comical, mischievous appearance.
Their long-held traits of evil, wickedness and barbarity was diminished so much that they actually became a protective symbol of good luck in Japan.
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