The Red String of Fate

Unable to focus, I glance behind to find the girl doing the same. Then she holds up her wrist with a question on her face.
— Ohno Yasu refering to Shibasaki Yukiko from Misunderstandings

The Red String of Fate is the belief that some dismiss as an old wives' tale--nothing more than a girl's fanciful notion. Those who put stock in it believe that if two people have a red thread that connects from their pinky to another person's pinky, they are destined to meet and become lovers, possibly even get married. The thread may stretch, but it never breaks.

Beyond the Common Myth

by Freepik

What isn't often known is that those that dismiss the notion, will never see it. But those who believe, might. For it is attached by the kami or one of the person's ancestors who have passed away. Those ancestors visit the mortal realm on occasions such as obon or times when the descendant needs help.

by Freepik

Some women can see such strings connecting people. It's a rare magical gift passed down from their mothers. Usually the first string notices is the one connected to themselves and their love to be. Then the magic user is attuned to see them and will notice others.

Variations & Mutation

Koreans think of it tied around the couple's pinkies, like the modern Japanese version. The old Japanese version says that the string connects from a woman's pinky finger (which connects to the heart by the ulnar artery) to a man's thumb. The Chinese believe that the string connects around the intendeds' ankles.

In Art

You'll see this theme in anime and manga. A recent example is in the anime Your Name.

Myth

Originated in China. Common in East Asia.

Entry for Worldbuilding Summer Camp 2020

Answering: "Describe a common old wives' tale or consipracy theory from a region of your world. Does it hold any truth?"

Visit shyredfox's Competition Page Check all other answers to this prompt Competition Homepage

Inspiration

The world of Liminal Chronicles brings in and builds on Japanese mythology and folklore. The author does her best to respect and show her love for the culture in this setting.

This site and related stories are works of fiction. Any references to historical events, real people, or real places are used fictitiously. Other names, characters, places and events are products of the author's imagination, and any resemblance to actual events, places or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

Copyright

Artwork and content (if nothing else is stated) are 2021 Amy Winters-Voss. All rights reserved. You may not use the material without written permission from the author.

Theme page background credits: rawpixel.com. Global header, Umeji Tatsuya and Nakamura Hisako character art, and Rise bookcover by Odette.A.Bach.

World Anvil logo and WA event logos are property of and provided by World Anvil.

Cover image: Red String of Fate by jcomp

Metadata

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Myth

World

Liminal Chronicles

Comments

Author's Notes

I wanted to include this darling myth from Japanese culture. So I found a way to make it unique by adding the magical aspect and the intervention of the kami and ancestors.

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Almighty Deity Ademal
Ademal Jacklyn

17 Jul, 2020 08:46

Thank you for introducing me to this sweet tale. Good job tying it into your lore!

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Amy Winters-Voss

21 Jul, 2020 00:31

Thank you!

Author of the Liminal Chronicles urban fantasy series | vssCollab very short story prompts | Author Website

Exalted Councilor of the Inner Sanctum Kummer Wolfe
C. B. Ash

17 Jul, 2020 11:13

This is SO nice! Thank you so much for writing this! It's a great myth.

— The wolf of Tales of Justice, Creator of Legends of Elohey, Star Wars: Shards, Windtracer and more!