Name Meaning
Jatai (蛇帯) literally means “snake sash.” It refers to an obi (a traditional kimono belt) that has gained a spirit, often due to strong emotions or neglect.
- Ja (蛇) = snake
- Obi/Tai (帯) = sash or belt
Origin
- Derived from the concept of tsukumogami—objects that gain a spirit after 100 years.
- Common in Edo-period stories and ghost tales featuring haunted clothing.
Appearance
- Appears as a long, elegant sash that slithers like a snake when no one is watching.
- In full form, it may twist into a coiled serpent with silk textures and decorative motifs.
Behavior & Myths
- Strangles or lashes out at those who wronged its former owner.
- Sometimes appears in haunted inns or samurai households.
- Legends say it slithers quietly into rooms, seeking revenge or attention.
Symbolism
- Represents lingering attachment and spiritual pollution from grief or hatred.
- A cautionary tale about respect for personal items and emotional energy.
- Linked with feminine wrath or sorrow depending on the tale.
