“You should not put on new shoes at night”—this is one of the sayings that has long been passed down in Japan. When buying a new pair of shoes, many people may have been advised to start wearing them in the morning rather than at night. This article explains the origin and meaning of this saying, as well as how it is viewed today.
What does “putting on new shoes at night” mean?
“Putting on new shoes” refers to wearing newly purchased shoes for the first time.
In other words, “you should not put on new shoes at night” means that
new shoes should be worn for the first time in the morning or during the day rather than at night.
It is a kind of practical wisdom or superstition.
Main origins of the saying
There are several theories behind this custom.
1. The idea of avoiding bad luck
Since ancient times, nighttime has often been associated with “death” and “parting.”
Because new shoes are seen as symbols of a new path or a new life,
putting them on for the first time at night
→ evokes a dark future
→ is considered unlucky
This is how it came to be viewed.
2. The dangers of going out at night
In the days when there were few streetlights, walking at night was dangerous.
・It was difficult to see where you were stepping
・People were more likely to fall
・There were risks of crime and accidents
Since new shoes have not yet been broken in, wearing them at night was even more dangerous.
For that reason, “it is better not to put them on for the first time at night” was also a practical piece of wisdom.
3. Connections with departure and death
In some regions,
using new footwear at night
＝was thought to foreshadow someone’s death or a parting
and was therefore avoided as an ill omen.
Should you worry about it today?
In conclusion, this is not a rule that must absolutely be followed today.
However, it can also be considered a “reasonable custom” for the following reasons.
・New shoes are easier to walk in when first worn during daylight hours
・It is easier to check for blisters and assess the fit
・It is easier to deal with any problems that arise
In other words, although it is a superstition, it also makes sense as practical wisdom for daily life.
The deep connection between shoes and good fortune
In Japan, shoes and other footwear have long been regarded as symbols of “the path of life” and “the direction one takes.”
・New shoes → a new beginning
・Well-worn shoes → daily life and stability
・Shoes for travel → a turning point in life
For this reason, significance has also been attached to the time when one first puts them on.
Summary
The saying “you should not put on new shoes at night” is not merely a superstition;
・A culture that values good fortune
・Practical wisdom for avoiding the dangers of nighttime
・A view of shoes as symbols of life
These Japanese sensibilities came together to create this belief.
You do not necessarily have to follow it, but
why not make the day you start wearing new shoes a bright morning?
Doing so might make it a little more pleasant to take that first step.
