@thefridayfive 2026.03.13
Mar. 15th, 2026 03:26 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
halfcactushttps://thefridayfive.dreamwidth.org/149967.html
1. Have you ever watched illusion magic? Close-up, or in a stage show, or on television? Did it work for you?
On TV or at least video form. IRL... does the face-changing opera show in Haidilao (hotpot restaurant) count? They were entertaining the other section, not ours, but I was show-adjacent...
2. Have you ever wished on a star, or a lucky cat, or a coin in a wishing well? Did it work in some way?
Coin on a... not a well, I think a fountain? Don't remember what I wished for, it was a long time ago. I did pray to various gods (tossing in the requisite coins) when I hiked Mount Takao in my last Japan trip, not sure that counts as a wish. I mean, it probably does, because I went for the ones I thought could help with back health. ^^;
3. Have you ever cast a spell, made a love charm, or tried a curse? Did it work in some way?
No, but I've bought charms as souvenirs. And this talisman sticker to repel evil bosses:
4. Are there any other traditional superstitions you pay attention to? Do they work in some way?
Mostly death traditions (relevant bc I just came from a wake). I don't think about whether or not they work bc that would only freak me out lol: Not saying goodbye to the hosts/bereaved when leaving a wake (this is a point of debate bc apparently most of the ppl in my social circle don't do this and are worried it's rude, but it's what I was always told to do and I fear the consequences); Shaking off ghosts (pagpag) by stopping at another place when coming from a funeral/wake, lest they follow you home. The funeral home we visited last week had a cafe beside it called "Ghost Coffee". We didn't do our pagpag there, but we observed that the cafe's existence was certainly a Choice; Being cognizant of mounds of soil in case I offend a dwarf spirit; Avoiding any major life/financial decisions during ghost month, but then again I've never had to.
I did try a couple of Thai Buddhist practices in a museum, at a museum's staff's encouragement (nobody else seemed to be interacting with the exhibits), when I was in Bangkok last month? I distinctly remember failing to lift the elephant the first time and I was like nooooooo lol. My question was money-related. I guess it was accurate divination because *gestures at current events*
5. Would you want major magical powers like in a fantasy story? Which powers, and how would you use them?
I'm too stupid and accident-prone for major powers, I'd be happy with just being magically lucky and having the people around me benefit by extension. Winning little prizes, always having free seats and parking spots, meeting the right people at the right time... that sort of thing.
1. Have you ever watched illusion magic? Close-up, or in a stage show, or on television? Did it work for you?
On TV or at least video form. IRL... does the face-changing opera show in Haidilao (hotpot restaurant) count? They were entertaining the other section, not ours, but I was show-adjacent...
2. Have you ever wished on a star, or a lucky cat, or a coin in a wishing well? Did it work in some way?
Coin on a... not a well, I think a fountain? Don't remember what I wished for, it was a long time ago. I did pray to various gods (tossing in the requisite coins) when I hiked Mount Takao in my last Japan trip, not sure that counts as a wish. I mean, it probably does, because I went for the ones I thought could help with back health. ^^;
3. Have you ever cast a spell, made a love charm, or tried a curse? Did it work in some way?
No, but I've bought charms as souvenirs. And this talisman sticker to repel evil bosses:
4. Are there any other traditional superstitions you pay attention to? Do they work in some way?
Mostly death traditions (relevant bc I just came from a wake). I don't think about whether or not they work bc that would only freak me out lol: Not saying goodbye to the hosts/bereaved when leaving a wake (this is a point of debate bc apparently most of the ppl in my social circle don't do this and are worried it's rude, but it's what I was always told to do and I fear the consequences); Shaking off ghosts (pagpag) by stopping at another place when coming from a funeral/wake, lest they follow you home. The funeral home we visited last week had a cafe beside it called "Ghost Coffee". We didn't do our pagpag there, but we observed that the cafe's existence was certainly a Choice; Being cognizant of mounds of soil in case I offend a dwarf spirit; Avoiding any major life/financial decisions during ghost month, but then again I've never had to.
I did try a couple of Thai Buddhist practices in a museum, at a museum's staff's encouragement (nobody else seemed to be interacting with the exhibits), when I was in Bangkok last month? I distinctly remember failing to lift the elephant the first time and I was like nooooooo lol. My question was money-related. I guess it was accurate divination because *gestures at current events*
5. Would you want major magical powers like in a fantasy story? Which powers, and how would you use them?
I'm too stupid and accident-prone for major powers, I'd be happy with just being magically lucky and having the people around me benefit by extension. Winning little prizes, always having free seats and parking spots, meeting the right people at the right time... that sort of thing.
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no subject
Date: 2026-03-16 06:49 am (UTC)I think most of the people I know, and myself, sorta do it out of habit, out of respect, and well, why the heck not if the practice doesn't hurt people. It's also a kinda bonding experience? So, while I don't think something bad is going to happen if I go straight home after a funeral, I'm happy to stop elsewhere for coffee/tea with people, then head home. Give bereavement money in odd number. Talk to my dead relatives during Qingming. Etc.
That yellow charm looks like those jiangshi drama charms XD
no subject
Date: 2026-03-19 12:59 am (UTC)The "stopping to eat somewhere" is a bonding experience, I agree! Though it is kind of eerie when you're going alone + at night. XD I didn't know about bereavement money being in odd numbers! Is it kind of like how in happy occasions you give angpao in even numbers?
no subject
Date: 2026-03-18 02:04 pm (UTC)and my goodness that café name... I wonder how much of their custom is from funeral home employees...
I'd be happy with just being magically lucky and having the people around me benefit by extension. Winning little prizes, always having free seats and parking spots, meeting the right people at the right time... that sort of thing.
You said it!
no subject
Date: 2026-03-19 01:01 am (UTC)I wonder how much of their custom is from funeral home employees...
Oooh it never occurred to me to consider where funeral home employees go, and now I kind of want to see a story in that vein.