| Shirohebi | |
|---|---|
 This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International license. | |
|
Other Names |
White Snake |
|
First Appearance |
Japanese Folklore |
|
Created by |
Unknown |
Origin[]
” 53rd Annual Iwakuni Festival” by United States Marine Corps is in the Public Domain
Shirohebi means "white snake." An albino snake is often regarded as an auspicious omen within Japanese culture. In Japan, snakes are believed to have a strong connection to the spiritual world, acting as messengers or protectors of the deities.
They are the albino form of the Aodaisho or Japanese Rat Snake. Adults reach one to two meters in length and about five centimeters in girth. E. climacophora is the largest Japanese snake outside Okinawa.
The albino snakes are especially numerous near Iwakuni, where they are called "Iwakuni white snakes". The albino population was protected in 1924 as a "national monument."
Kikko Park is located on the other side of the Kintai Bridge. This area used to be the residence of the Kikkawa family. The park has a big fountain and contains numerous shops as well as a variety of flowers. Kikko Park is also home to a sanctuary for white snakes. These snakes are found only in Iwakuni, and have been designated as special national treasures by the Japanese government. The white snake is a symbol of Benten, the Japanese goddess of wealth. The white snake is considered a sign of good luck in Japan. Many people come to pray to the snakes so that they might be successful in their businesses.
In Japanese folklore, if a white snake is found in your home it is said to bring good fortune. The white snakes found in Iwakuni are usually the albino variety of the Japanese Rat Snake. They are gentle ivory white snakes with ruby colored eyes which can only be found in concentration at Iwakuni. There is a viewing facility near Kikko Park.
Public Domain Appearances[]
All published appearances of Shirohebi from before January 1, 1930 are public domain in the US.
Notes[]
- Not to be confuse with Bai suzhen , A white snake that marries a human doctor.