Why Do Wisteria Flowers Repel Demons? A Folkloric Look at "Protection from Evil"

Hey everyone, it's Osamu.

Thanks to a certain incredibly popular manga and anime, the idea that "wisteria flowers repel demons (Oni)" has become common knowledge lately. In the story, wisteria is used like a protective barrier to keep demons at bay. But it made me wonder...

"Why wisteria?"

Not cherry blossoms, not chrysanthemums, but wisteria. Today, I want to dig into this mystery from the perspective of folklore and the traditions of "protection from evil."

What is "Protection from Evil" Anyway?

First, let's quickly go over the basic concept of mayoke (魔除け), or protection from evil.

Since ancient times, people all over the world have feared unseen "bad things"—evil spirits, malevolent energy, or beings like the Oni. Disasters they couldn't control, like eclipses, plagues, or crop failures, were often seen as the work of these entities.

"Protection from evil" refers to the wisdom and techniques developed to guard against such calamities. People believed that special powers resided in certain objects or words, and by possessing them, they could ward off these evil presences or nullify their power.

Common Themes in Protective Charms

So, what kinds of things were actually used for protection? Looking at legends from around the world, a few common patterns emerge.

1. Things with Strong Smells or Tastes

   • The most obvious example is garlic. It's a staple in European vampire legends. The intense odor was believed to keep evil beings at bay.

2. Specific Metals

   • Iron has also been seen as a powerful protective charm. In Europe, there's a custom of hanging a horseshoes on a door. This is said to not only invite good luck but also to prevent witches or fairies from entering. In Japan, too, bladed tools (like sickles) are sometimes used as charms.

   • Silver is another famous one. The idea that a silver bullet is the only thing that can kill a werewolf or vampire is well-known.

3. Sacred Plants

   • People believed special powers resided in certain plants, like the mistletoe held sacred by the Celtic druids, or the peach tree in China, which is thought to have power over evil.

4. Sacred or Purifying Items

   • Salt, often used in Japan (like morishio, or piled salt), is a classic item for purifying a space and driving away negative energy.

A Closer Look: Why Wisteria?

Now for the main topic: wisteria (fuji). To be honest, the specific legend of "wisteria as a charm against evil" isn't as globally famous as garlic or iron. However, when we apply the "common themes" from above, some very interesting points come to light.

Hypothesis 1: The Potent "Scent" When wisteria is in full bloom, it releases a powerful, almost intoxicating fragrance. Just as garlic repels demons with its smell, it's possible that demons were thought to despise the unique and strong aroma of wisteria.

Hypothesis 2: The "Sacred Tree" Aspect In Japan, wisteria has long had a sacred aspect. The long, drooping vines and flowers were sometimes seen as a yorishiro—a conduit for a god (kami) to descend from the heavens. Its sheer vitality was also a source of reverence. Just as the sacred peach tree repels evil, it feels very natural to think that wisteria, also a sacred plant and a potential vessel for a god, would possess the power to repel the "demons" that are its polar opposite.

Hypothesis 3: The "Bean" Connection This might be the most interesting angle. Botanically, wisteria is a member of the pea family (or bean family, mame-ka).

When you think of "beans" and "demons" in Japan...?

That's right: Setsubun. During the Setsubun festival (marking the start of spring), we throw roasted soybeans while shouting "Oni wa soto! Fuku wa uchi!" ("Demons out! Good luck in!"). Soybeans have long been believed to hold the power of hama (破魔)—vanquishing evil.

In other words, a powerful cultural image of "Beans = Demon Repellent" is deeply rooted in Japan. It's no surprise, then, that wisteria, a plant from the "bean family," would also be endowed with the power to ward off demons.

Final Thoughts

The idea that "wisteria repels demons" probably doesn't come from a single origin. But from a folkloric perspective, it's an incredibly convincing piece of lore, fulfilling multiple conditions for a protective charm:

• A strong scent (protection via smell)

• A sacred plant (a vessel for the gods)

• A member of the pea/bean family (protection via hama)

When you realize that these elements are layered on top of each other, it just makes the story feel that much deeper and more interesting.

Thinking about the roots of these ideas really brings a new layer to the stories we love.

That's all for now. -Osamu