In Japan, Daikoku is the god of luck and prosperity, and his constant companion is a white rat. After all, rats are attracted to storehouses overflowing with abundant grain. The Day of the Rat is also one of Daikoku's festival days and there is an ancient Japanese legend to explain the relationship between Daikoku and his rat familiar.
			Daikoku was a popular god, beloved by the people who happily gave him prayers, festivals, gifts, and sweet incense. The other gods grew jealous, until Emma-o, god of the dead and revenge, decided to send his most powerful oni, Shiro, to attack Daikoku. Shiro-oni faithfully searched through Daikoku's magnificent castle and gardens, but could not find the god.
			In the meantime, Daikoku, resting comfortably on the bales of rice in his storehouse, and asked his Rat to see who was making so much noise and fuss outside. The Rat went forth and discovered Shiro-oni in the castle. Quick as a wink, Rat fled to the garden, found a branch of holly, and drove the oni away.
		A branch of holly pinned to the front door wards off oni, and if you have rats as well - so much the better!