Sanpaku Eyes: the Japanese Superstition

Origins of Sanpaku Eyes

The origin of the belief in sanpaku eyes is unclear. Still, it is thought to have been influenced by ancient Chinese beliefs in the connection between physical features and a person's personality or fate. In traditional Chinese medicine, the eyes were believed to be a window to a person's soul and health, and the whites of the eyes were thought to indicate a person's overall health and wellness.

In Japan, the belief in sanpaku eyes gained popularity in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Then, it was widely believed that people with sanpaku eyes were prone to violent behavior and other negative traits, and others often shunned them. Some even went to great lengths to hide their eyes, using hats, sunglasses, or other means to conceal them.

Science Behind Sanpaku Eyes

Despite its popularity, the belief in sanpaku eyes was never based on scientific or medical evidence, and today it is considered a superstition. The appearance of white visible above and below the iris is a natural aspect of some people's eye anatomy. It is not a sign of any underlying health condition or a personality trait.

Despite the lack of scientific evidence to support the belief in sanpaku eyes, it has had a lasting impact on Japanese culture. The term has been used in literature, films, and popular media to suggest a character's negative traits. It is still sometimes used in contemporary Japanese culture to describe someone as untrustworthy or untruthful.

In recent years, the belief in sanpaku eyes has experienced a resurgence in popularity, mainly due to the influence of new-age spiritual beliefs and the rise of alternative medicine. Some people believe that the appearance of sanpaku eyes can be corrected through yoga, meditation, or other spiritual practices. These practices can help restore balance and inner peace.

While there is no scientific evidence to support the idea that sanpaku eyes can be corrected through spiritual practices, many believe these practices can help improve overall health and well-being. Whether or not sanpaku eyes indicate any underlying health condition or personality trait is still a matter of debate, but the belief in sanpaku eyes remains a fascinating aspect of Japanese cultural history.

Conclusion

In conclusion, sanpaku eyes are a term originating from an old Japanese belief that a person's eyes appear to have white visible above and below the iris, giving the appearance of being split into three parts. Although the idea in sanpaku eyes is not based on scientific or medical evidence, it was once a popular superstition in Japan and has had a lasting impact on Japanese culture. Today, the belief in sanpaku eyes is considered a superstition, but the term is still used in Japanese culture to describe someone as untrustworthy or untruthful. Despite its lack of scientific validity, the belief in sanpaku eyes remains a fascinating aspect of Japanese cultural history.