Comments on: xxxHolic - 21 - Watch Out For Giant Scissors http://psgels.blogsome.com/2006/09/15/xxxholic-21-watch-out-for-giant-scissors/ An anime blog covering a large variety of series, both popular and underrated. Tue, 10 Nov 2009 00:24:20 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=1.5.1-alpha by: Hinode http://psgels.blogsome.com/2006/09/15/xxxholic-21-watch-out-for-giant-scissors/#comment-2651 Wed, 13 Jun 2007 14:51:21 +0100 http://psgels.blogsome.com/2006/09/15/xxxholic-21-watch-out-for-giant-scissors/#comment-2651 Hmm .. I'm not sure with other cultures/countries but in my country (Phil), there is a superstition that tells not to do nail cutting/clipping at night. Although I know quite a bit of local superstitions, I admit most of the superstitions shown in this episode where new to me :). Hmm .. I’m not sure with other cultures/countries but in my country (Phil), there is a superstition that tells not to do nail cutting/clipping at night. Although I know quite a bit of local superstitions, I admit most of the superstitions shown in this episode where new to me :).

]]> by: Anonymous http://psgels.blogsome.com/2006/09/15/xxxholic-21-watch-out-for-giant-scissors/#comment-733 Fri, 15 Sep 2006 16:10:30 +0100 http://psgels.blogsome.com/2006/09/15/xxxholic-21-watch-out-for-giant-scissors/#comment-733 A comment on the nail clipper creature. The simple answer is cultural centric views. Chances are, the average person in Japan doesn't realize that other countries don't have that superstition. That's likely, I think, because the nail clippers superstition is pretty well held in Japan. It's like the hand waving, palm to the side, in front of your face. In Japan, that gesture means "No" or "That's wrong" or some other form of negative response, but we don't have it here. But I've read Japanese narratives that had foreigners doing that as second nature when they clearly wouldn't have, and my teacher mentioned that with a chuckle when the class seemed confused by the character's choice of action. It's like nodding with your hand. Also, not mentioned in the episode, but you hide your thumbs because the thumb is called "parent finger" in Japanese, and if you don't hide it, your parents will die soon. Maybe thats why he doesn't beleive anymore. Plus, i think those pliers-like clippers may be what calls it. Scary things. the little clippers you see in the US with the 2-plate spring-loaded and a lever plate on top maybe don't attract them. :) A comment on the nail clipper creature. The simple answer is cultural centric views. Chances are, the average person in Japan doesn’t realize that other countries don’t have that superstition. That’s likely, I think, because the nail clippers superstition is pretty well held in Japan. It’s like the hand waving, palm to the side, in front of your face. In Japan, that gesture means “No” or “That’s wrong” or some other form of negative response, but we don’t have it here. But I’ve read Japanese narratives that had foreigners doing that as second nature when they clearly wouldn’t have, and my teacher mentioned that with a chuckle when the class seemed confused by the character’s choice of action. It’s like nodding with your hand.

Also, not mentioned in the episode, but you hide your thumbs because the thumb is called “parent finger” in Japanese, and if you don’t hide it, your parents will die soon. Maybe thats why he doesn’t beleive anymore.

Plus, i think those pliers-like clippers may be what calls it. Scary things. the little clippers you see in the US with the 2-plate spring-loaded and a lever plate on top maybe don’t attract them. :)

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