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Japanese children have a unique way of dealing with nightmares that sets them apart from others around the world. They are told about Baku, a dream-eating monster, and taught to whisper three times, "Baku-san, come eat my bad dream," when they wake up from a scary dream. The belief is that Baku will come to their bedroom and suck the bad dream away, providing comfort and relief to the child. However, Baku are not always entirely benevolent; if they are too hungry, they may take away not only the bad dream but also the child's hopes and ambitions.
This duality of Baku, as both a protector and a potential threat, teaches children to both revere and fear the supernatural creature.
In Japanese folklore, Baku are considered talismanic figures that people pray to at night to rid themselves of common nightmares. They are believed to have the power to make these nightmares disappear forever. However, there is a darker side to Baku as well.
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Some legends suggest that they do not discriminate between good and bad dreams, consuming all types of dreams, including ones of aspiration, future goals, and hope.
Described as classic chimeras, Baku have a unique appearance that combines various animal parts. They have the body of a bear, the feet of a tiger, the tail of an ox, the eyes of a rhinoceros, and the nose of an elephant. One legend suggests that when the gods finished creating animals, they assembled the leftover parts to create the Baku. Despite their fantastical appearance, Baku bear a remarkable resemblance to the Asian tapir, sharing the same name and kanji in Japanese.
The origins of the Baku legend are shrouded in mystery and debate.
Some believe that the legend inspired the creation of the animal, while others argue that the animal existed before the legend. There are even theories that suggest the Baku may have originated from stories brought back by sailors from distant lands. In some accounts, the legend is said to have originated in China, with a statue of the Baku King at the Gobyakukan-ji temple in Tokyo pointing to its Chinese roots.
Throughout history, Baku have been revered as sacred animals associated with gods rather than being classified as mere monsters or yokai in Japanese folklore. In ancient China, Baku were hunted for their pelts, which were believed to ward off illness and evil spirits. As the availability of pelts dwindled, the mere image of a Baku on a blanket was thought to provide the same protective benefits. This belief persisted through the Tang Dynasty, with references to dream-eating creatures known as bakuki appearing in ancient texts.
Various rituals and practices have evolved around the summoning and appeasement of Baku in different regions of Japan. In Fukushima, it is believed that offering the bad dream to the Baku verbally will ensure that it never troubles the dreamer again. Other areas require the repetition of a specific prayer three times to summon the Baku to eat the nightmare. During different historical periods, people sought protection from bad dreams by holding images of Baku on their deathbeds or using pillows with Baku imagery during the night.
Even in modern Japan, Baku remain a popular figure in comic art, showcasing the enduring fascination with these dream-eating monsters. While traditional beliefs in Baku persist, contemporary interpretations offer alternative ways of dealing with dreams. For instance, individuals can have their dreams interpreted by clinical psychologists through online platforms, providing a different perspective on the meaning behind their dreams.
The concept of Baku and dream-eating monsters in Japanese folklore continues to captivate both children and adults, offering comfort and reassurance in the face of nightmares. By understanding the history and cultural significance of Baku, we gain insight into the complex relationship between humans and the supernatural world.
For further information on dreams, dream interpretation, Japanese folklore, Baku, the Baku King, hakutaku, bai ze, nightmares, and yokai, resources such as Helium and Mypage5.com can provide additional insights into this fascinating aspect of Japanese culture.
The Enigmatic Baku: Dream-Eating Monsters in Japanese Folklore. (2016, Nov 01). Retrieved from https://studymoose.com/re-dream-eating-monsters-of-japan-baku-essay
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