5461


In Episode 10 of Uchouten Kazoku (5:34), I saw Shimogamo Mother taking two
stones from a pot, and striking them against each other before Shimogamo
Yaichirou went out.

![Two stones in pot.](https://i.stack.imgur.com/znAd5.png)

What does it mean? Is it some kind of supernatural belief?


CC BY-SA 3.0
2013-09-12T10:03:40.770
5166
2014-07-01T17:17:12.173
2014-07-01T17:17:12.173
6166
2185
question
culture the-eccentric-family
Why strike stones taken from inside a pot against each other?


In Japanese folklore, creating sparks by striking flint is considered to be
lucky for someone leaving a house or group. The brief fire was once a way to
drive evil spirits away. I found a reference to it being called
[_kiribi_](http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2010/12/16/reference/kiribi/#.Ulr0hJmTZ8E),
but there doesn't seem to be a whole lot of information on it.

Considering where Yaichiro is going as he leaves, it would be logical for a
mother to wish her son good luck and to drive away evil from his path.

![The flint is struck together to make a
spark.](https://i.stack.imgur.com/WTQqj.jpg)

This ritual is not common anymore, but given the spiritual nature of _Uchouten
Kazoku_ , it makes perfect sense.


CC BY-SA 3.0
2013-10-13T19:31:46.517
5461
2013-10-13T20:34:06.820
2013-10-13T20:34:06.820
274
274
5166
answer