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A HANDBOOK OF MODERN JAPAN

hair become red." On the other hand, this "horse day" is sacred to Inari Sama, the rice-god, who employs foxes as his messengers; and "the day of the rat" is sacred to Daikoku, the god of wealth, who, in pictures, is always accompanied by that rodent. As for wedding days, Rev. N. Tamura says: "We think it is very unfortunate to be married on the 16th of January, 20th of February, 4th of March, 18th of April, 6th of May, 7th of June, 10th of July, 11th of August, 9th of September, 3d of October, 25th of November, or 30th of December, also on the grandfather's or grandmother's death day." These dates are probably applicable to only the old calendar. "Seeds will not germinate if planted on certain days" (Griffis).

The hours were named, not only according to the numerical plan, but also according to the heavenly menagerie in the following way:—

1. Hour of the Rat 11 p. m. – 1 a. m.
2. Hour of the Ox 1–3 a. m.
3. Hour of the Tiger 3–5 a. m.
4. Hour of the Hare 5–7 a. m.
5. Hour of the Dragon 7–9 a. m.
6. Hour of the Serpent 9–11 a. m.
7. Hour of the Horse 11 a. m. – 1 p. m.
8. Hour of the Goat 1–3 p. m.
9. Hour of the Monkey 3–5 p. m.
10. Hour of the Cock 5–7 p. m.
11. Hour of the Dog 7–9 p. m.
12. Hour of the Boar 9–11 p. m.


The "hour of the ox," by the way, being the time of sound sleep, was sacred to women crossed in love

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