Hinoe-Uma

Contemporary Japan remains a complex blend of the new and the old. While rapidly absorbing the most advanced scientific and technological knowledge, Japan simultaneously retains a multitude of ancient folk faiths and beliefs. In daily life, for example, the average Japanese still refers to the koyomi (zodiac almanac) in making many important decisions, even among the well educated groups. The folk superstition which concerns us here is the belief based on the zodiac almanac that females born in the Year of Hinoe-Uma (Elder Fire-Horse) possess undesirable characteristics and should be avoided as marriage partners. A female born in this year, which occurs every 60 years, is believed to be fier...View all