It is known that Japanese tend to be superstitious. There are certain things or circ*mstances that are uniquely explained sometimes through superstitious beliefs. One of those things are the concept about Lucky Numbers!
Did you know that the number 3 is considered as one of the lucky numbers in Japan?
Below are some interesting situations that explains why number 3 san (三) might be indeed a LUCKY NUMBER!
- The 3 – second rule (さんびょうルール)
Have you heard about the 3-second food rule in Japan? This is a rule that distinguishes the dropped food in Japan.
Take for instance, when you are eating a candy or a snack, then, you suddenly dropped the food. They said that if there is no visible stain or dirt on the ground, the food is still free from bacteria within 3 seconds. Then, you can still eat it!
Japanese are so into the concept of Mottainai(もったいない) which is equivalent to “ What a waste!” This is a concept that conveys a regret over wasted items or things that can still be useful.
However, this is not applicable to sticky food such as ice cream, cakes, doughnuts, and other desserts.
Food is precious! This rule would be an effective way to break that awkward situation to someone or to your friend when you or they accidentally dropped their snack. It is such a waste to just throw it away when the rest of the world are dying and suffering of hunger, right? So, break that awkwardness and tell each other “Opps! 3 – second rule (さんびょうルール) Daijoubu!”
2. The 3 – minutes Ramen Rule ( カップラーメン3分待機)
Ramen or noodles is one of the staples or the most favorite food in Japan. It is a go to snack or meal. Are you Hungry but you are in a hurry? Just grab a ramen cup noodles!
But did you know that there’s a specific rule for cooking or preparing your ramen cup noodles in Japan?
They said that the perfect ramen cup noodles should be cooked exactly within 3 minutes. Beyond that time, it isn’t delicious anymore! So, please, be careful!
When you are preparing your cup noodles, to achieve that heavenly perfect Ramen Noodles, make sure to set your alarm in 3 minutes! (おいしい) Oishii!
3. The Swallowing of 3 people when nervous （3回“人”を飲み込む）
(Image courtesy of https://www.ohanabloom.co.jp/
What do you usually do when you are nervous? Do you want to know the secret of brave Japanese people when it comes to handling their fears? Let me spill the secret now!
They said that when Japanese are feeling nervous in certain situations such as stage fright, they do this ritual of writing a person three times on their palm and act as if you are swallowing those three people. We tend to get overwhelmed by people and the atmosphere. We fear the people watching us on stage! It is believed that the best way to overcome your fear is to swallow that fear first so that you won’t be swallowed by it!
4. The 3 minutes Ultraman Fight （ウルトラマンの地球滞在時間3分）
Who doesn’t know Ultraman? The very famous Japanese Hero that we grew up watching for many years!
Have you ever wondered why Ultraman can easily defeat his enemies and can only fight within 3 minutes? Here’s the reason why!
Ultraman is not from planet Earth, so, basically, he is an alien! His power and energy source are solar energy and his time on earth is limited.
Ultraman has this thing called a “Color Timer” found on his chest. The timer is the device he is using to track the Earth’s atmosphere and solar energy. When the solar energy decreases, the timer will blink and beep. The color changes from blue to red indicating that his power is also decreasing!
But thou shall not worry! Since 3 is a lucky number in Japan, Ultraman can defeat any monster and will always be on time to save the day!
Saving Planet Earth in 3 minutes!
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Greetings, enthusiasts of Japanese culture and superstitions! As someone deeply immersed in the intricacies of Japan's beliefs and practices, let me delve into the fascinating realm of lucky numbers and the peculiar instances where the number 3, or "san" (三) in Japanese, holds special significance.
Firstly, the notion of lucky numbers is ingrained in Japanese culture, and one such example is the revered status of the number 3. Let's explore a few intriguing situations that illuminate why the Japanese consider the number 3 to be particularly auspicious.
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The 3-Second Rule (さんびょうルール): In Japan, there exists a unique take on the infamous "5-second rule" applied to dropped food. Known as the "3-second rule" (さんびょうルール), it dictates that if you accidentally drop a piece of candy or snack and it remains uncontaminated by visible stains or dirt on the ground, you have a three-second window to pick it up and consume it without fear of bacteria. This concept is deeply rooted in the Japanese mindset of "Mottainai" (もったいない), which expresses regret over wasting anything that could still be useful. However, it's essential to note that this rule doesn't apply to sticky foods like ice cream or cakes.
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The 3-Minutes Ramen Rule (カップラーメン3分待機): Ramen, a beloved staple in Japanese cuisine, comes with its own set of rules. To achieve the perfect cup of ramen noodles, adhere to the "3-Minutes Ramen Rule" (カップラーメン3分待機). This guideline suggests that cup noodles should be cooked precisely within 3 minutes to maintain their deliciousness. Beyond this timeframe, the quality may deteriorate. So, next time you're in a hurry for a quick ramen fix, set your alarm for 3 minutes to ensure an "おいしい" (Oishii) – delicious experience.
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The Swallowing of 3 People When Nervous (3回“人”を飲み込む): When faced with nervousness, particularly in situations like stage fright, the Japanese have a unique ritual. To conquer their fears, individuals write the word "人" (person) three times on their palm and symbolically "swallow" these three people. This ritual serves as a metaphorical act of overcoming fear by internalizing it before it consumes the individual. It reflects a deep cultural understanding of managing anxiety and fear in a symbolic and empowering manner.
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The 3-Minutes Ultraman Fight (ウルトラマンの地球滞在時間3分): Turning our attention to the iconic Japanese hero, Ultraman, we uncover the significance of the number 3 in his battles. Ultraman, being an extraterrestrial being with solar energy as his power source, can only stay on Earth for a limited time. His "Color Timer," located on his chest, serves as a vital device to monitor Earth's atmosphere and solar energy. The timer blinks and beeps, changing from blue to red as his power diminishes. Remarkably, Ultraman's fights are capped at 3 minutes, aligning perfectly with the lucky number 3 in Japanese superstition. This limitation doesn't hinder his ability to save the day, thanks to the auspicious nature of the number 3 in Japan.
In conclusion, the Japanese fascination with superstitions, particularly the luck associated with the number 3, manifests in various intriguing customs and rules. From the 3-second food rule to the 3-minute ramen guideline, and even in the realm of iconic heroes like Ultraman, the number 3 weaves its way into the cultural fabric, adding depth and meaning to everyday practices. Embracing these beliefs allows us to appreciate the rich tapestry of Japanese superstitions and their impact on daily life.
