Beware the Supernatural Bathroom Spirits, Toilet Deities, and Dung Demons

Every place in the world has its own legends and superstitions. These led to beliefs about gods, demons, and spirits which haunt a certain location. Even toilets have their own otherworldly beings.

Toire no Hanako-san: A Small Girl Haunting Schools

In Japan, Toire no Hanako-san (meaning “Hanako of the Toilet”) is a little girl dressed in a red skirt who has bobbed hair and inhabits the third stall on the third floor of elementary school toilets. Those who want to summon Hanako must knock three times on the stall door and ask whether or not she is in there.

Generally, Hanako is considered to be a harmless spirit, but there are some violent and frightening versions of the legend. In one interpretation, she can drag the individual into the toilet if the door is opened upon her response. She can apparently be stopped if the individual presents a perfect score on an exam. Another frightening version of the legend speaks of a giant lizard with three heads using the voice of a little girl to attract its prey.

Hanako of the Toilet. (Image Source)

Kawaya no Kami: An Excrement Toilet God of Protection

Japanese mythology also speaks about Kawaya no Kami, the toilet god who was born from the excrement of the goddess Izanami. As early toilets were darker and more dangerous than present ones, Kawaya no Kami was said to provide protection to those using them.