Kasha (mythology)

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Kasha in the Gazu Hyakki Yakō , around 1781.

Kasha ( Japanese 火車 ) is the name of a fictional cat demon of Japanese folk beliefs who is malicious and is considered the counterpart of the lucky Maneki-neko .

description

According to popular belief, Kashas belong to the group of Yōkai (" monsters / demons "). They are also similar to and often confused with the Nekomata and Bakeneko . Belief in their existence has its origins in both Buddhism and Shintoism .

Kashas are described as fiery giant cats ( Ōneko ) that steal the corpses of people who have had an accident before they can be buried or cremated. Other Kashas are said to travel the earth in burning carriages and to take the souls of the damned to hell . This is also reflected in the naming Kasha for "chariot of fire" or "chariot of hell".

See also

literature

  • Michaela Haustein: Mythologies of the world. Japan, Ainu, Korea. ePubli, Berlin 2011, ISBN 978-3-8442-1407-9 , p. 25.
  • Bokushi Suzuki: Snow country tales. Life in the other Japan. Translated by Jeffrey Hunter with Rose Lesser . Weatherhill, New York NY et al. 1986, ISBN 0-8348-0210-4 , pp. 316-317.
  • Chih-hung Yen: Representations of the Bhaisajyaguru Sutra at Tun-huang. In: Kaikodo Journal. Vol. 20, 2001, ZDB -ID 2602228-X , p. 168.

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