belief in the spiritual power of words; kotodama belief
A traditional Japanese belief that spoken words have a spiritual power that can influence reality, for good or ill. Often associated with Shinto and folk practices.
In kotodama belief, it is said that speaking good words brings about good things.
Japan has had kotodama belief since ancient times, and a culture of believing in the power of words has taken root.
言霊 refers to the spirit or power believed to reside in words, while 言霊信仰 is the broader belief system or faith in that power.
Compound of 言霊 (kotodama, 'word spirit') and 信仰 (shinkō, 'belief, faith'). The concept of kotodama is ancient in Japanese culture, but the exact historical derivation of the compound is uncertain.