Amabie – Japanese Mythical Sea Creature

Visiting Buddhist temples during my childhood summers in Korea never got old. My awe of the massive guardians at each gate grew with every visit. Best defense from evil? Depends who you ask. Best dressed protectors against evil? Hellz yeah!

My security detail was in the form of temple guardian photos I snapped and taped to my bedroom walls. Totally irrational that I believed that they were chasing away evil spirits? Yes, but I’m a superstitious person. I never clip my fingernails at night and toss salt out the front door to reset a shitty day. And I’ve always gravitated towards cultures steeped in folklore and oral tradition throughout my life. I love discovering mythical creatures with supernatural powers during RAD AND HUNGRY sourcing trips like Bulgaria’s Kukeri or learning about indigenous culture like New Zealand’s Māori.

The Japanese mythical sea creature, Amabie, is three-legged and covered in scales with a beak and long hair. An 1800s-era legend claims a Kumamoto town official spotted the Amabie, and curious, he approached it. The Amabie shared a fortune with the official – a picture of me will cure those who have fallen ill from the spread of disease. 

Believe in superstition or no, everybody could use a little bit of good juju right now. COVID-19 is no joke. It’s best to stay inside! I’ve decked my home in lucky charms including our Amabie.

You don’t need someone down with the ills to have fun coloring one. Download our Amabie and get to it! Gift your masterpiece to someone who deserves a bit of defense for warding off illness or find the perfect spot for it in your home.

oxxo, Hen