Have you ever noticed someone with a lot of white showing above or below their iris? In Japanese physiognomy, this is known as sanpaku eyes (三白眼 sanpaku-gan, literally "three whites"). But what exactly are sanpaku eyes, and is there any truth to the beliefs surrounding them?
Seeing the White
Sanpaku eyes simply refer to the visibility of the sclera, the white part of the eye, above or below the iris. In Western medicine, this is called scleral show and can be a normal feature or a result of eye shape or eyelid procedures.
Physiognomy and Folklore
However, in Japanese face reading, sanpaku eyes take on a more mystical meaning. Traditionally, they've been associated with:Negative personality traits: aggression, deviousness, or physical/mental imbalance.
Potential for misfortune: accidents, violence, or bad luck.
There are two types of sanpaku eyes:
Upper sanpaku:
White showing above the iris, linked to mental issues or aggression.
Lower sanpaku:
White showing below the iris, supposedly indicating physical problems or a deceitful nature.
Fact vs. Fiction
It's important to remember that these are purely beliefs with no scientific backing. Eye shape and scleral show are determined by genetics and facial structure, not personality or future events.
Looking Beyond the EyesWhile sanpaku eyes might be an interesting conversation starter, judging someone based on their appearance is never a good idea. Instead, focus on getting to know the person themself – their actions and words will tell you far more than their eye shape ever could.
People who had sanpaku eyes in history include:
So, the next time you see someone with sanpaku eyes, remember: it's just an eye shape, not a crystal ball!
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