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Maneki Neko This is Maneki Neko, the beckoning cat. This sometimes plastic, sometimes porcelain cat with the Sanrio kitsch is a good luck charm of Japanese origin. The cat has its paw up in a beckoning gesture, bidding customers to enter, or inviting in money and good fortune, depending on which paw is raised (left and right, respectively). |
There are several stories and explanations describing the source of Maneki Neko. According to one legend, at the beginning of the Edo period (17th century), there was a rundown temple in Setagaya, the western part of Tokyo. The priest of the temple had a cat named Tama.
One day, Naotaka Ii, lord of the Hikone district (western part of Japan near Kyoto) was caught in a shower on his way home from hunting. As he stood under a tree in front of the temple to avoid the rain, Naotaka noticed that a cat seemed to be beckoning him into the temple gate. Tempted by the gesture, he followed the cat into the temple, and instantly the tree was struck by lightning. Tama had saved Naotaka’s life.
The rundown temple was appointed the Ii's family temple, and changed it's name to Goutokuji. Goutokuji became prosperous, henceforth backed by the Ii clan. Tama both saved Naotaka from lighting and the temple from poverty.
After death, Tama was buried at Goutokuji's cemetery with all much respect. Maneki Neko, so the story goes, was made in Tama’s likeness, and is considered an incarnation of the Goddess of Mercy.
Another explanation is that the raised paw actually represents the gesture of a cat washing its face. Cats are often sensitive to changing environmental conditions, and can sense approaching storms. It is said that cats wash their faces to relieve anxiety caused by impending storms, which may also partially explain the legend of Naotaka.
Cats may also become anxious at the approach of strangers and may begin face washing. To an observer, it seems as though a cat washing its face is a presage of visitors. This may explain the belief that Maneki Neko brings in customers.
The popularity of Maneki Neko seems to be directly linked to the decline of the feudal system and the influx of Western culture, and specifically Christianity, in Japan.
In the Edo period, towns for men called Yuukaku developed which consisted of amusement houses in the Japanese style, with hostesses professionally trained in traditional music and dancing, called Geisha, and prostitutes, called Yuujo. In Yuukaku, each amusement house had a display of male sexual organs made of various materials like paper, clay, bamboo, horn, etc. along with other good luck articles.
In Japan, the artificial male sexual organs had been worshipped from ancient times for the realization of good harvests and prosperity. In Yuukaku, the artificial male sexual organs were displayed on a shelf, and the house owners prayed to these items daily for a flourishing business.
In the 1850s Japan opened to foreign trade and diplomatic relations with Western countries. The ensuing industrial revolution caused the collapse of feudalism and the Samurai classes, which were founded on agriculture. The new government based on the emperor system was organized, and Japan started its modernization in the Meiji period beginning in1868.
The new Meiji government thrust westernization upon Japan to establish modern industrialization rapidly. Traditional Japanese culture of the Edo period was viewed as uncivilized, and Western culture based on Christianity was regarded more highly. This trend influenced Japanese ideas of sex. The frank and open consciousness of sex and sexuality of the Edo period was restricted under the influence of Western ethics. Worship of the artificial male sexual organs was consequently restricted. By 1872 it was prohibited by law to make, sell and display them. After this, the artificial male sexual organs disappeared from good luck shelves of the houses, and Maneki Neko appeared in its place.
At the time, Japanese prostitutes were often depicted as cats, perhaps because of their similarly wily, graceful, and tempting natures. It seems appropriate that the Maneki Neko, with its beckoning gesture, would serve as a more modest alternative. It is interesting to note that while the figures or sexual organs were prohibited, the brothels themselves were not closed.
The Yuukaka made Maneki Neko popular, and restaurants began following suit shortly thereafter. Maneki Neko then spread all over Japan as a charm to bring good luck and flourishing business.
Copyright 8/99 Jennifer Chung
All rights reserved
Sex, money, furry animals.
What more could you ask of a legend?