Seven Lucky Gods
The Seven Gods of Fortune (七 福神jap, Shichi Fukujin ) are derived from the Muromachi period ensemble of auspicious Japanese gods that were originally derived mostly from other religious traditions than the native Shinto.
They illustrate the typical in Japanese religion syncretism ( cf. Shinbutsu Shugo ).
New Year
According to legend, the seven lucky gods are fed by their " treasure ship " (宝船, Takarabune ) in the harbor on New Year's. This ship carries seven intangible treasures: wisdom, knowledge, experience, learning, valor, prosperity and long life and happiness and satisfaction. But five material treasures: the inexhaustible purse, the invisible - hat -making, the lucky coat, the wooden hammer of wealth and the geisterjagende rat.
Search in the days after the New Year many Japanese on the shrines of the Seven Lucky Gods. Also puts you on the first day of the New Year a picture of them or Takarabune under the pillow to come this way to auspicious dreams, especially when he from Fuji, hawks or aubergine dreams ( Hatsuyume ).