The Kumamoto Family: Happy Yakudoshi Glen!

Sunday, April 5, 2009

Happy Yakudoshi Glen!

Okay let me see if I can explain this correctly for those that might be wondering what is YAKUDOSHI: The concept of Yakudoshi originated from the Chinese lunar calendar . This calendar foretold which days, months or years would be unlucky. In response to these forecasts, the Japanese developed a number of ways to dispel danger or weaken the evil spirits that might haunt an individual. The actual derivation of the word Yakudoshi is from yaku ("calamity") and doshi ("years"). Therefore, these certain years in a person's life are considered more "bad" luck years. For men, it's 25, 42 and 61. For woman, it's 19, 33 & 37 but because Japanese (and Chinese) traditional method of counting age is different from the US, we are born being age 1 out of the womb.

Long story short...Glen is turned 41 on March 19 (tradition counting he's turning 42). To protect him from his Yakudoshi year, it calls for a celebration with his close family and friends. Either way you count it-he's in his Yakudoshi year or just starting it. The pictures say it all...he was super surprised and had a blast!

Red Manju for luck!

Teri, Deb and Nick help with the favors: A bamboo plant, with a dollar bill folded into a turtle and a origami crane-which all represents longevity and good fortune .

What an awesome gift from his friends. Glen's been getting into playing cards and is finding poker a weekly event. He is very fortunate to have such great friends to feed his newest hobby!