Ushi no Koku Mairi
Mythology & Folklore

for further reading: Once Asked Questions

This originates from "ushi no koku mairi" (丑の刻参り), a kind of old curse in Japan. This type of magic is done around 2:00 AM, so some light is required. The first woman who did "ushi no koku mairi" had a torch in her mouth, over the years it has evolved into candles.

A Japanese straw doll is also involved in the process, which is akin to a Japanese version of a voodoo doll. These dolls are known as "wara ningyo" (藁人形).

Relevance to Ranma 1/2

Ushi no koku mairi is the Japanese "voodoo" curse that Gosunkugi practices, he can be seen carrying it out in Nettohen episode 96.