七福神(しちふくじん)

The seven gods

1. 恵比寿(えびす) (Ebisu) - god of fishers and merchants
2. 大黒天(だいこくてん) (Daikokuten) - god of wealth and commerce
3. 毘沙門天(びしゃもんてん) (Bishamonten) - god of warriors
4. 弁財天(べんざいてん) (Benzaiten) - goddess of arts and knowledge
5. 福禄寿(ふくろくじゅ) (Fukurokuju) - god of longevity
6. 寿老人(じゅろうじん) (Jurōjin) - god of longevity
7. 布袋(ほてい) (Hotei) - god of happiness

Cultural note

七福神(しちふくじん)巡(めぐ)り is a popular New Year's tradition where people visit temples and shrines dedicated to each of the seven gods.

Symbolism

• 宝船(たからぶね) - treasure ship, often depicted carrying all seven gods
• 縁起物(えんぎもの) - good luck charm