三さん尸し

noun

the three worms; the three corpses

In Taoist belief, three supernatural worms or spirits that reside in the human body and ascend to heaven on the night of Kōshin (庚申) to report the person's misdeeds. Often referenced in the context of Kōshin-machi (庚申待) all-night vigils.

See also: 庚申待

• 庚こう申しん待まちでは、三さん尸しが天てんに昇のぼって悪あく事じを報ほう告こくするのを防ふせぐため、夜よ通どおし起おきている。

  During Kōshin-machi, people stay awake all night to prevent the three worms from ascending to heaven and reporting their wrongdoings.