Smallpox demon

In Japanese, the word hōsōshin or hōsōgami (疱瘡神 (ほうそうしん, ほうそうがみ）) translates literally to "smallpox god".

In those days, smallpox had been considered to be the result of onryō, which was a mythological spirit from Japanese folklore who is able to return to the physical world in order to seek vengeance.

In Okinawa, they tried to praise and comfort devils with sanshin, an Okinawan musical instrument, and lion dances before a patient clad in red clothes.

[9] Queen Elizabeth I of England was likewise wrapped in a red blanket and placed by a live fire when she fell ill with smallpox in 1562, and similar treatments were applied to other European monarchs.

In parts of India, China, Africa and Latin America, sacrifices were made to appease the gods of smallpox.