北きた枕まくら

noun

lying with head to the north

Traditional taboo position for sleeping, as it is how corpses are laid out. Often avoided in daily life and when arranging futons for guests.

• 日本にほんでは北きた枕まくらで寝ねるのは縁えん起ぎが悪わるいと言いわれている。

  In Japan, sleeping with your head to the north is said to be unlucky.

• 旅りょ館かんで布ふ団とんを敷しくとき、北きた枕まくらにならないように気きをつけてください。

  When laying out futons at a ryokan, please be careful not to position them with the head facing north.

noun

brown-lined puffer

A species of pufferfish (Canthigaster rivulata). The name literally means 'north pillow', possibly from its shape or behavior.

• ダイビング中ちゅうにキタマクラを見みつけた。

  I spotted a brown-lined puffer while diving.