Facts about The Seven Lucky Gods

1. 15

   Each of the Seven Lucky Gods is associated with a specific virtue, including longevity, happiness, wealth, candor, amiability, dignity, and magnanimity.

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2. 14

   Ninomaru Maru, a 16th-century Japanese merchant ship, is the oldest known artistic depiction of the Seven Lucky Gods sailing together on a treasure vessel.

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3. 13

   The seven deities originate from three different religious traditions: five from Buddhism and Daoism, one from Hinduism, and one exclusively from Shinto beliefs in Japan.

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4. 12

   Statues of the Seven Lucky Gods are traditionally displayed in Japanese homes during the New Year season to bring good fortune for the entire year ahead.

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5. 11

   Composed in the 17th century, the Shichifukujin poem lists specific attributes for each of the Seven Lucky Gods, establishing their standardized iconography across Japan.

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6. 10

   In 19th century Japan, woodblock prints of the Seven Lucky Gods became mass-produced commercial items, spreading their imagery far beyond temples to ordinary households during the Edo and Meiji periods.

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7. 09

   Visiting temples to pray to the Seven Lucky Gods during New Year celebrations in Japan is called Shichifukujin Meguri, a pilgrimage tradition that typically involves 7 temples.

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8. 08

   Bishamonten, the seventh god of fortune in the group, serves as the deity of warriors and is typically depicted wearing armor while holding a spear and a pagoda representing treasure in Japanese Buddhist tradition.

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9. 07

   Jurojin, the god of longevity among the Seven Lucky Gods, carries a staff topped with a scroll containing the lifespan of all humans in Japanese mythology.

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10. 06

    A traditional Takarabune treasure ship depicts all Seven Lucky Gods together sailing across the sea, a popular motif on New Year's decorations in Japan since the Edo period.

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11. 05

    Benzaiten, the goddess of music and arts among the Seven Lucky Gods, is the sole female deity in the group and derives from the Hindu goddess Saraswati through Buddhist transmission to Japan.

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12. 04

    Daikoku, the god of wealth and kitchen among the Seven Lucky Gods, is traditionally shown standing on bales of rice while holding a magic mallet that can produce unlimited treasures in Japanese popular culture.

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13. 03

    Ebisu, the god of wealth and fishing among the Seven Lucky Gods, is traditionally depicted holding a sea bream and fishing rod, originating from Shinto beliefs rather than Buddhist or Chinese sources like the other six deities.

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14. 02

    Hotei, the jovial god of contentment among the Seven Lucky Gods, is traditionally portrayed carrying a large sack containing treasures and is often depicted with a bare belly symbolizing abundance and happiness in Japanese culture.

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15. 01

    Fukurokuju, one of the Seven Lucky Gods, is depicted with an elongated head representing longevity in Japanese folklore dating back to the 15th century.

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