Ushi No Toki Mairi

By Crusader1307

A ‘’quaint’’ Feudal (16th Century) Japanese form of Curse, ‘’Ushi No Toki Mairi’’ is very similar to various forms of Caribbean Voodoo. In Ancient Times, rather than a Doll – a special tree was selected. Known as ‘’Shinboku Trees’’, these were only found planted around Shinto Buddhist Shrines. The Curser, normally a ‘’Scorned Women’’ seeking revenge against a wayward Mate or One who refused to carry thru with marriage, would start the ritual between the hours of 1 and 3 AM. She would wear a white gown (White signifying Death in Japan), and adorn Her head with an Iron Crown. Arranged on the Crown was (3) Candles. Using iron nails, the Curser would begin to chant her Curse, all the while driving the iron nails into said Tree. She had to do this ritual seven times, once each night started. At the end of the 7th Day, her ’’Intended’’ would die. Much later, such Curses were done with straw effigies (much as with a traditional Voodoo Doll) – with the nails being jammed into the figurine. Some Folklorists state that the practice of Ushi No Toki Mairi STILL is practiced by some – even today.