HITOBASHIRA (人柱)

ORIGIN: Japan

Hitobashira (人柱), or "Human Pillar," is a legend tied to ancient construction practices in Japan.

According to the legend, in feudal Japan, large structures like bridges, castles, and dams were sometimes 'strengthened' with human sacrifices, who were buried alive within their very foundations. 

This was believed to appease spirits, prevent natural disasters, and make sure of the stability of the construction.

One of the most famous stories is that of the Matsue Castle. 

After repeated failed attempts to construct the castle's walls, the builders resorted to the Hitobashira ritual, sacrificing a young maiden by placing her in one of the pillar structures and sealing her there, alive, while she begged for mercy.

Locals say that her spirit still haunts the area, causing mysterious tremors in that castle and loud wails at night.

Another tale of this legend is from the Maruoka Castle in Fukui Prefecture;

A poor woman was chosen as a human sacrifice. 

In exchange for her 'noble deed', the officials in charge promised to give her son a samurai title.

But once they buried the poor woman, they did not fulfill their promise.

The woman's ghost was filled with sorrow and rage, so she returned as a flood and destroyed part of the castle.

Though historians argue about the truth of these stories, the fear of Hitobashira lives on in Japanese folklore. 

Even today, construction sites sometimes perform small rituals to appease spirits.