What would writing in red ink represent for the Japanese? For the more skeptical, nothing. However, for the more superstitious, a lot. This is yet another popular myth present in Japanese society.
The fact that you write someone’s name using red ink represents danger within this superstition. Check below why one should avoid writing in red ink.
In Japan, people have the custom of making their own tombstones to have them ready for when their time comes. The citizen then writes their own name on the gravestone in red to indicate that they are still alive. On the day the individual kicks the bucket, their name is then written in black on the gravestone to indicate their death.
Due to this custom, the Japanese began to associate writings in red ink with death and other things. Ironically, the stamps or signature seals of the Japanese are usually in red.
What does it mean to write a name in red ink?
Given the aforementioned custom, writing someone’s name in red can represent premature death or bad luck in general.
If you write a person’s name (or your name) in this color, it can also represent that the person will go bankrupt. This may have to do with the fact that the word 赤字 (akaji), which means “deficit,” is formed by the characters 赤 (red) and 字 (character).
Depending on the situation (and the person), writing a person’s name in red can also be considered an offense since the names of criminals (especially those on the death row) are written in this color. Writing a person’s name in this color implies that they are a criminal.
Red ink also represents the person’s desire to cut ties with another person. This is related to the fact that samurai used to write letters to challenge the recipient to a fight to the death. These letters were written in red.
The color also represents something that is unofficial. All official documents are written in black, while red ink is used to correct mistakes in drafts. When names are written in red, it gives the impression that your name is being disrespected and not treated officially.
Does this taboo of red ink still persist today?
This taboo is disappearing. Thus, there are people who are unaware or really do not care. But to be safe, it is advisable to always use a black pen to avoid offending someone. Consider a name written in red like a voodoo doll with your name on it.
Even if you do not believe in or care about these things, it is still important to respect and avoid problems. The red is mainly used on gravestones. Do not use red when signing cards, and even avoid red Christmas cards. Funeral notices in Japan are red.
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