Jizo

Jizo-san is a deity you see on your way to school, on your way to work, while walking or cycling, and in many other places.

Although he is called “Ojizo-sama” or “Jizo-san” in a friendly way, he is officially called Jizo Bosatsu (Jizo Bodhisattva), born in India. In Sanskrit (the classical language of India), he is called Kshitigarbha. Kshiti means “earth” and Garbha means “womb,” meaning “the mother womb of the earth,” which is translated into Chinese characters as Jizo.

What is the meaning of Jizo?

Jizo Bodhisattva is a figure in Buddhist faith and is said to save people from suffering by transforming into various forms depending on the situation, demonstrating remarkable power in various fields. He is also known as “Koyasu Jizo,” who is said to protect pregnant women during safe delivery, “Substitute Jizo,” who takes on the suffering of those who have experienced calamity, and “Dosojin,” who protects the boundaries of villages, hamlets, and roadside streets. It is said that all living creatures are repeatedly reincarnated in six different worlds (the hell path, the hungry ghost path, the beast path, the Shura path, the human path, and the heaven path). The six Jizo statues in a row that are said to save people suffering in all these worlds are called “Rokujizo.” Jizo statues are also responsible for memorial services for mizuko (aborted, miscarried, or stillborn fetuses). In addition to watching over people, one of Jizo’s roles is to provide relief from sorrow.

Why do Jizo statues wear red?

You often see Jizo wearing a red bib or hood, don’t you? Jizo-san is often worshipped as a god who protects children, and people dedicate bibs and round head coverings to him so that their children will grow up healthy. So why do they wear red? The color red is believed to symbolize purity, correctness, and honesty, and it also has the power to repel evil spirits. Therefore, there is a custom to dress babies and Jizo-sama in red. It is said that dressing Jizo (the guardian deity of children) and babies in red is symbolic, as the Chinese zodiac comes full circle and the baby returns to the zodiac.

Conclusion

The Jizo-sama we often see has various meanings, and we know that he is a gentle and precious presence that has been watching over our lives since ancient times. Today, there are various types of Jizo, from the traditional Jizo with a staff in his right hand and a jewel in his left, to creative Jizo with cute shapes and faces. Whenever you see them, you should join your hands and be thankful for their kindness.