[Korea/Japan UrbanLegend] Bunshinsaba

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Bunshinsaba is a ritual for summoning spirits that originated in Japan and is said to have first gained popularity in Daegu, South Korea. However, the exact origins and spread of the practice are unclear. According to the Japanese Wikipedia, Bunshinsaba is derived from Kokkuri-san during the Japanese colonial period. Kokkuri-san is a method used in Japan to communicate with spirits and shares many similarities with the Ouija board.

To perform Bunshinsaba, one must hold a pencil or pen and write symbols such as OX or numbers on a piece of white paper. Then, two people sit facing each other, hold the pen together, and recite an incantation, causing the pen to move and write letters. This can be done anywhere, but in some regions, there are rumors that if the method is shared with seven others, it could lead to death.

In Japan, instead of using a pen, people often draw the Japanese syllabary and a torii gate on paper, using coins to see which letters the coin points to as they place their fingers on it. Additionally, when summoning a spirit, one must ask how many pieces to tear the paper into and then burn them accordingly. There are many taboos, such as only using a red pen and never lifting fingers off the pen during the ritual.

The incantation varies by region, but it usually involves repeating, "Bunshinsaba, Bunshinsaba, oide kudasai," which translates to a request for the spirit to come quickly. The origin of the name "Bunshinsaba" is debated, but it is likely derived from Japanese.

The origins of Bunshinsaba are linked to the Ouija board, which was introduced to Japan by an American sailor in 1884. It is generally accepted that Bunshinsaba evolved from Japan's Kokkuri-san.

Additionally, there is a traditional Korean game called "Chunhyang-i Nori," which shares similarities. This game was primarily played among young women during holidays, where participants would attempt to communicate with spirits through a designated leader.

Bunshinsaba has evolved from Japan's Kokkuri-san and has developed into a unique practice in Korean culture, with various interpretations and adaptations based on time and region.

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