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In Japan there's a belief that the soul remains in the body for 49 days after death. This belief is rooted in the Buddhist concept of the "chōrei" (冥途) or the journey of the soul after death.
In particular, the 49-day period is significant because it's believed that during this time, the soul undergoes a series of stages in the afterlife, with the final destination being either reincarnation or spiritual enlightenment. The period of 49 days is often seen as a time of transition and purification for the deceased, during which the soul is believed to be guided by rituals and prayers.
The number 49 itself is important in Buddhist teachings because it's the product of seven (a sacred number in Japan and Buddhism) multiplied by 7. For seven weeks (or 49 days) after death, the soul is thought to be in a state of limbo, with family members performing rituals to help the deceased find peace and progress toward their next life.
This belief is also connected to the practice of holding memorial services (called "shijūkunichi" or "49th-day memorial service") to pray for the deceased's soul and to help it pass through the afterlife successfully. These memorial services are a way for the living to honour their loved ones and help them on their spiritual journey.
Ping! Pong!
100% true!
Having lived in Japan for many years, and attended enough funerals, I can attest that this is certainly believed by a vast number of Japanese people - but let's be clear - for Japanese, this is a belief rather than a superstition.
What's the difference between superstition and belief? (apart from their spelling and punctuationn)
The distinction between the two can be subtle, but it typically lies in the nature, basis, and cultural context of the two concepts:
Belief: A belief is a conviction or acceptance that something is true or exists, often based on personal experiences, cultural traditions, or logical reasoning. Beliefs can be religious, philosophical, or cultural and may be widely shared or deeply individual. For example, believing in the importance of kindness or the value of education.
Superstition: A superstition is a belief or practice that's often irrational and based on fear or the belief that certain actions, events, or objects can influence the outcome of something without any logical or scientific basis. Superstitions often involve the idea of control over fate, luck, or the supernatural. For example, believing that walking under a ladder brings bad luck.
Belief: A belief can be based on evidence, reason, or tradition, and may or may not be verifiable. While some beliefs can be rational and grounded in logic or experience, others may not have tangible proof but still carry significance within a particular context or culture.
Superstition: Superstitions tend to lack a rational or logical basis. They're often not supported by evidence or scientific understanding, and their origin is frequently tied to historical, cultural, or psychological factors, such as an attempt to explain random events or natural phenomena.
Belief: Beliefs can be widely accepted within a culture or society and often form the foundation of religion, philosophy, or worldview. These can be passed down through generations and may be integral to a community's identity.
Superstition: Superstitions are often seen as irrational or outdated by more scientifically inclined societies, though they can still be deeply embedded in cultural practices. While some superstitions may have once been commonly believed, they're often viewed as less serious or even silly in modern contexts.
Belief: Beliefs can influence behavior, attitudes, and decisions in ways that are more structured, such as guiding moral principles, actions, and life choices; for example, beliefs about justice, family, or spirituality.
Superstition: Superstitions often lead to specific, ritualistic behaviours aimed at avoiding bad luck or ensuring good outcomes, such as carrying a lucky charm, knocking on wood, or avoiding certain numbers. These actions may not have a logical cause-and-effect relationship with the desired outcome but are driven by the fear or hope that they might have an effect.
So to summarise, while both superstition and belief involve faith in things beyond immediate proof, superstitions are generally seen as more irrational, based on fear or luck, and disconnected from evidence. In contrast, beliefs can be more deeply grounded in cultural, personal, or philosophical contexts and may have a broader significance or rationale, even if they are not scientifically proven.
Will your soul stay in your body for 49 days after you die? Well, you'll have to wait until you die before you can find out,