Superstitions
The number four is pronounced shi. This is also the word for death. Never give present in quantities of four. At some places where things are numbred, the number four is not labeled. Bento boxes have four compartments but are said to have three.
Chopsticks can be offensive if used improperly. Never stick you chopsticks standing up in your rice bowl. This represents the burning of incense at a grave. Do not point at people with your chopsticks. Never pass food from chopstick to chopstick. This represent the passing of food at one's funeral. If you wish to let your neighbor sample some food. Set it on their plate and let them pick it up.
Sleeping and facing a notherly direction is not good. Only bodies are laid down like that at a funeral.
Whistling at night will bring a snake to you. If a snake does come to you, be afraid. Most snakes native to Japan are posionous.
Pieces of paper tied to large wooden supports are very common. The paper usually has some writing on it, whether it is a wish or fortune. These are particularly common during a festival called Tanabata.
