Japanese military symbols chrysanthemum on the water. Flower symbolism in the daily life of the Japanese: the poetry of everyday life. Growing at home

The chrysanthemum is the national flower. Symbol of Japan, imperial power, honor, courage, nobility, happiness and wisdom. This plant is inextricably linked with the sun, from which, according to legend, the Japanese people trace their history.

Japanese legends say
These flowers are not just loved, they are adored by everyone - from young to old, from the emperor to the last poor man. Even in the Heian era, when chrysanthemums bloomed, ordinary people decorated their houses with them, and the nobility rode "chrysanthemum" boats. Poems were written about these flowers, songs were sung, poetry competitions were held in their honor.
According to one of the ancient legends, Japan owes its origin to the chrysanthemum. AT old times China was ruled by a cruel emperor. Once a rumor reached him that beyond the sea, on the island, a magical flower grows - a chrysanthemum. From the juice of this flower, you can prepare an elixir of longevity.
But only a person with a pure heart and good intentions can pick a flower. The emperor and his courtiers had unkind hearts, and the emperor decided to go for a trick: send three hundred young boys and girls to the island. But none of them returned to the emperor: enchanted by the beauty of the island, they founded a new state - Japan.
2. Specially protected flower
Since the 7th century, the chrysanthemum has been considered royal flower and becomes the emblem of the Japanese emperors. The golden flower with sixteen double petals remains the coat of arms of the Imperial House today, and sometimes also serves as the state emblem: its image can be found on coins, seals and official documents.
The highest award of Japan - the Order of the Chrysanthemum - is awarded only to persons of imperial and royal blood, heroes and heads of foreign states. This order is made of gold and has 2 degrees: on a chain and on a large ribbon.
Chrysanthemum in Japan is surrounded by love and care. The Japanese have no equal in the industrial cultivation of these flowers, in the creation of new varieties. In total, there are about five thousand species of this plant in Japan. These flowers have a long flowering period. Because of this, in Japanese culture, the chrysanthemum personifies happiness and longevity, and the dew collected from the chrysanthemum prolongs life.
For several centuries, ordinary amateurs and professional gardeners have

Chrysanthemum time
On September 9, all of Japan celebrates the Chrysanthemum Festival. The history of this holiday began in 1186. Initially, these were celebrations associated with longevity. Since the chrysanthemum is a symbol of longevity, the holiday will later receive a second name - the Chrysanthemum Festival. And in the Tokugawa era, he was included in the number of public holidays.
In ancient times, this holiday was celebrated only at the court, where, at the invitation of the emperor, court nobility, poets, and musicians gathered. Everyone had to compose a poem in honor of the celebration.
During the Chrysanthemum Festival, flowerbeds with chrysanthemums bloom throughout the country, flower exhibitions are held, and doll festivals are held. Dolls, both individual characters and entire paintings on historical, religious or mythological subjects, are created from living plants, for which a special bamboo frame is prepared, and the face, arms and legs are made of wax or papier-mâché, very carefully and naturally.
Costumes and the background on which the action takes place (waterfalls, mountains, buildings) are created from leaves and flowers different varieties chrysanthemums. picking up different forms and shades of chrysanthemums, make up the purple capes of the courtiers - from purple petals, green hakama pants - from leaves, yellow hats - from yellow varieties.
In the morning and evening, these plants are watered, so that they remain alive for a whole month. If individual plants get sick or wilt ahead of time- they are carefully replaced with new ones, and the dolls and landscapes hardly change. Well, maybe the pose of the hero or the lighting of the grove changes a little.
The Japanese Chrysanthemum Festival is an event no less spectacular than the carnival in Venice.

Japan, like any other country, has its own symbols that characterize it. But it is not only the anthem, flag and coat of arms. These symbols are especially revered animals and flowers, natural attractions and historical values.

List of major symbols of Japan

In this amazing country of contrasts, the following symbols are generally recognized:

State flag;
National anthem;
Seal of the emperor;
Tanuki (raccoon dog);
Taka (many birds from the order of falcons);
Currents (ibis);
Kinji (green pheasant):
Japanese stork;
Neko (cat);
Mount Fuji;
Chrysanthemum;
Japanese dolls;
Japanese kitchen;
And, of course, samurai.

The first three characters are official, while the rest are a reflection of Japanese culture and the heritage of their ancestors.

Official symbols of Japan

"Hi-no-Mura" - "solar circle" or the official flag of Japan. It depicts the rising sun against an azure background. The history of the flag is connected with the entry of Japan into the ranks of the world community in the 19th century.

Japan flag

The anthem of this state is the five-line tanka. The emperor is famous in it, and wishes for his long reign are heard. Everything in this hymn is allegorical and metaphorical.

The imperial seal has an imprint in the form of a chrysanthemum flower. Previously, this symbol was forbidden to be used by anyone except the imperial family. Today this ban has been lifted. And similar drawings can be found in parliament and diplomatic institutions.

Revered Animals of Japan

In the Land of the Rising Sun, all living things are reverent. This is supported by one of national religions(Shintoism), as well as the worldview of the Japanese.

The raccoon dog is popular in Japan thanks to many legends and signs that shroud its existence. It is believed that such a dog brings wealth and good luck. Some people think that this animal has superpowers. Sometimes the Japanese have a raccoon dog at home. After all, this animal can sing in an unusual voice, and, according to popular beliefs, protects from thieves and teaches virtue. Figurines of a raccoon dog are sold in large centers and private shops.

raccoon dog

The second most popular among the Japanese is the Neko cat. This symbol in the Edo era was considered a conductor of supernatural forces. Such a cat could bring light and goodness, but it could also conduct dark energies. The controversial talisman is sold everywhere in Japan. Many people think that a Neko figurine with a raised paw brings good luck, and they give it to their loved ones.

Neko the cat

Falcons different types are also revered in the Land of the Rising Sun, like other animals.

"Taka" - Japanese name all birds belonging to the falcon order.

Previously, the image of a falcon was used only by those families whose members distinguished themselves by their military prowess. Then figures and paintings with these birds became ubiquitous. And the falcon ceased to be an official sign.

In the province of Niigata, the red-footed ibis is especially revered. The similarity of the color of the ibis with the color of the official flag makes this bird an important Japanese symbol. In this state, there is even a color called "tokihairo". It is he who correlates with the tones of the plumage of the ibis.

The green pheasant represents maternal love and care for the Japanese. The Japanese archipelago is the natural habitat of these birds. This symbol is also considered unofficial for the state, but was chosen by the Japanese Association of Ornithologists as the most important distinguishing sign of the Japan Islands.

Last, but not least, the attribute of Japanese culture is the stork. All over the world you can find many paintings from Japan with this bird on the canvas. The stork symbolizes fidelity and longevity, and is also valued for its grace and elegance. Thanks to the monogamy of storks, their images are used in wedding symbols.

Main Attraction: Mount Fuji

In addition to the living attributes of Japan, various natural objects are revered in the country. Mount Fuji is an extinct volcano on the island of Honshu. In 663, the first ascent to the beautiful mountain was recorded, about which poems, odes and legends are composed. It was performed by ordinary monks. For a long period, women were forbidden to even approach the sacred mountain.

On the slopes of this volcano is a Shinto shrine. And climbing this mountain is equated with gaining immortality. But why is this mountain so unique?

It's all about its incredible symmetry. And also in blooming gardens cherries on its slopes. The legend about this mountain says that, as if by magic, it was formed in just one night. Her views are truly amazing and magnificent. And the atmosphere on it seems authentic and pristine.

Cherry blossom in the symbolism of Japan

Inazo Nitobe, in his book on the way of the samurai, wrote that sakura fully reflects all the aesthetic principles of Japanese culture. And her grace is incomparable to anything else.

The end of March in Japan is not only the beginning of a real spring, but also a genuine natural transformation. The whole country is instantly shrouded in white and pink petals. And everything around becomes somehow fabulous, almost unreal.

Flowering begins in Kishu. Then from the south it rolls in a wave towards Tokyo. And, finally, captures the whole country. Thanks to sakura, urban views of Japan acquire a unique and unrepeatable entourage.

The Japanese have a separate tradition dedicated to sakura. It is called "Khanami". During the flowering period, the inhabitants of the country go out for picnics, taking snacks and alcohol with them, and contemplate the sakura.

The sakura blossom only blooms for a few days. Such transience is quite consistent with the character of any Japanese. In this country, there is a belief that if sakura pollen fell into a cup of sake, then longevity and health will await those who drink such a drink.

During the appearance of flowers, seasonal drinks with the addition of delicate petals are sold in the shops of the country. Baking with these petals is also sold.

In big cities, there are special parks planted with sakura trees. In April, they hold a variety of festivals and festivities in honor of the flowering of a symbolic and beautiful flower.

Dolls in Japan

Dolls in Japan are part of the national culture. There are dolls that are taken out only on holidays. And there are those who can play every day. There are dolls for contemplation, as well as those made from improvised materials. In Japan, they even hold exhibitions and festivals of dolls, where they sell interesting doll souvenirs to tourists.

The history of the Japanese doll is directly connected with mysticism and witchcraft. In ancient Japan, dolls were created by village sorcerers to heal a person, or harm him. Information about rituals has been preserved, where the patient was asked to blow on a paper or bamboo doll, or run around her body, and then drown this thing in the river, or burn it. It was believed that in this way the disease would pass from a person to a doll, and perish in the waters of the river, or burn in the fire.

In the Japanese dictionary there is a word "ninge" which means a doll. Japanese dolls are divided into the following categories:

Festive puppets or hina-ninge. The Hinamatsuri festival is celebrated in honor of the imperial family. And the main characters it has dolls on it. Almost every family on this day takes out carefully packed dolls from a secret place in the house, denoting all members of the imperial family. And these expensive toys are installed on a special stand or steps according to seniority. First, they put the doll-emperor, then his wife, children, advisers and all other courtiers in accordance with the regulations. On such a holiday, they visit each other and contemplate the beautifully displayed dolls;
Samurai dolls or gogatsu-ninge. These toys depict samurai or other valiant warriors. The set may also include figurines of animals and historical figures. These puppets are used during the Tango no Sekku festival;
"Chrysanthemum" dolls or "kuku-ninge". These products are made of bamboo and live chrysanthemums, planted in a frame with a root. They are used as exhibition items for exhibitions during the flowering period of chrysanthemums.

In addition to the listed dolls, clay and mechanical toys, wooden tumblers for small children, and talisman dolls that bring good luck are common in Japan.

Delicious National Symbol: Japanese Cuisine

Cuisine in Japan has many features. In every province of this wonderful country you can find something unusual. But Japanese dishes known to the whole world have become true unofficial symbols of this state.

Sushi or "sushi" in Japanese came to this country from South Asia. Initially, they were made from seafood, but in the 18th century they began to be made with the addition of rice.

This dish requires strict adherence to cooking technology. Authentic Japanese sushi is prepared only from fresh ingredients according to old recipes. Their various variations are modern culinary trends that are not related to Japanese dishes.

Unagi is one of the traditional Japanese dishes. Fried eel seasoned with sauce is served in restaurants with traditional cuisine, and is considered a real delicacy.

Another traditional Japanese dish is Soba. Buckwheat noodles served with broth and soy sauce are everyday dish. This recipe originated in the mountainous regions of Japan, and today is popular throughout the state.

Soba is a national Japanese dish in the form of long brown-gray noodles made from buckwheat flour.

Buckwheat noodles "Soba"

Yakitori is a variant of chicken skewers. Chicken giblets and meat are fried only on coals, and consumed with tare sauce. Since the opening of the borders in Japan, new recipes have appeared that can be attributed to a mixture of European and Asian cuisines, but yakitori, soba, unagi and sushi are considered national dishes Japan.

Yakitori dish

Samurai: a bit of history

When the world was able to get to know Japanese culture better through cinema, many were interested in the mystical and incredible samurai. These warriors became the heroes of numerous legends. And also those whom all Japanese boys tried to look up to.

The valiant armored symbols of Japan possessed abilities that many trained warriors of today can only dream of.

Zen Buddhism is religious doctrine, especially revered by the class of warriors. It was with the comprehension of his dogmas that beginners in the samurai ranks began their training. Real samurai comprehended not only the art of war, but also received an extensive secular education. They could draw, write poetry, have calligraphy skills and perform tea ceremonies.

During the era of the Shogunate, samurai were a wealthy class. They could afford to keep a horse. And they wore expensive uniforms, which were decorated with two swords instead of one.

Samurai have played a significant role in shaping Japanese history. They influenced state processes. They had their own code of honor "Bushido". And they had inheritance obligations.

Today, the province of Odawara near Tokyo hosts historical reenactments and festivals that reflect the highlights of samurai culture. At these festivities, you can see the costumes of samurai belonging to different eras. And also to become witnesses of real military battles, reproduced very believably and in detail.

The official and unofficial symbolism of Japan is a reflection of its culture, way of life and beliefs, which are carefully preserved in this amazing country. The reverent attitude towards certain plants and animals is rooted in Shintoism, and is realized in a series of Japanese holidays and art.

An important role in Japanese symbolism is played by political system. As well as historical aspects that show respectful and reverent attention to the imperial family. The Japanese honor their distinctive signs as much as they honor their own ancestors. And they sing them with the help of cinema and literature, painting and songs. rich Japanese culture has always been filled, both due to the highly art of the wealthy classes, and due to the traditions and rituals of the common people. And this interweaving makes the symbolism of Japan especially sophisticated and bewitching.

Such a wonderful tradition is still alive: since 831, it has been customary in Japan to celebrate the Chrysanthemum Festival. One of the most beautiful and loved by the Japanese, this festival is held annually in the fall. In former times, on the ninth day of the ninth month after lunar calendar courtiers were invited to the imperial palace, drank "chrysanthemum" wine, listened to music, admired chrysanthemums in the garden and composed poetry. “They rise again from the ground // Flowers dropped by the rain of Chrysanthemums” - such a romantic image was created by the Japanese poet of the 17th century Matsuo Basho in one of his three lines - haiku. To this day, in the capital and other Japanese cities, festivals and exhibitions of these sunny flowers are held, compositions from them, for the creation of which plants are taken only from the root in order to preserve their freshness and beauty for as long as possible. And in one of the largest centers of Japanese floriculture, the city of Nihonmatsu, an exhibition of chrysanthemum dolls is held in autumn. The basis of human-sized figures is made of bamboo, the face, arms and legs are made of papier-mâché, and the costumes are “sewn” from flowers of various shades. During the celebration, as in ancient times, you can try a chrysanthemum drink. They say it is healing and pleasant to the taste.

長月 (nagatsuki) The 9th lunar month in Japan is called - month of chrysanthemums.
菊 (kiku) is the Japanese character for chrysanthemum. And they also have the sun. Therefore, we can say that in Japan there are two suns - one in the sky, the other on the ground).

On September 23 or 24, the Earth occupies strictly vertical position relative to the Sun, which in turn crosses the Celestial Equator and passes from the Northern Hemisphere to the Southern. At the same time, astronomical Autumn (in the north) and astronomical Spring (in the south) come in these parts of the world. On this day, the duration of day and night on the whole Earth is the same and equal to 12 hours.
秋分の日 (shubun no chi) - Autumn equinox day official holiday in Japan, which has been celebrated since 1878.

The chrysanthemum is the official symbol of Japan.

One Japanese legend tells how the sky god Izanagi decided to take a dip in a river on Earth. His jewels, falling to the ground, turned into flowers: one bracelet into an iris, another into a lotus flower, and a necklace into a golden chrysanthemum.

Chrysanthemum in Japan is not just loved - but idolized.
9th of the 9th lunar month celebrated in Japan ancient holiday Chrysanthemums. People rode "chrysanthemum boats", drank "chrysanthemum wine", admired chrysanthemums blooming in gardens, composed songs and poems in their honor. "Chrysanthemum verses" were written in long paper strips ink with special diligence and attached them to trees so that the wind would spread the glory of the beauty of chrysanthemums around the world ... "

Chrysanthemum in Japan is a symbol of the sun and a favorite flower of the Sun Goddess Amaterasu, from whom Japanese emperors descended.

Chrysanthemum yellow or orange color with 16 petals - the imperious symbol of the imperial house in Japan since the 12th century.

It was then that she was engraved on the blade of the emperor's precious saber, a little later on the imperial seal and clothes. In 1888, the "Order of the Chrysanthemum" was created, with which only three people were awarded during the entire period of its existence. In 1910, the chrysanthemum was declared the national flower of Japan.
Japan does not have an official coat of arms, but the cover of a Japanese passport is decorated with a chrysanthemum.
Chrysanthemums are also depicted on Japanese coins.

There is a specially bred vegetable chrysanthemum- Chrysanthemum coronarium L. Her leaves look like carrots - carved, openwork, light green. And the flowers are like chamomile - with white or yellow petals.

Chrysanthemum flowers and leaves are wonderful food.
They have been used as food for health promotion for several centuries and not only in Japan. It is known that chrysanthemum nourishes not only the body, but also the soul. These flowers resist the breath of autumn and the gray hairs of winter, they help a person survive the harsh time, stock up and retain vitality.
The young leaves and flowers of the vegetable are used as food. annual chrysanthemum which contain many useful substances. Young leaves are especially useful in early spring or late autumn. They eat flowers and leaves of chrysanthemums little by little: this is quite enough to improve health.

The edible leaves of the vegetable chrysanthemum are called shungiku in Japan. They have an interesting pleasant smell and a piquant taste that decorates any dish (they are boiled for several minutes, squeezed, finely chopped and served with seasoning). From fresh leaves of vegetable chrysanthemum pre-boiled in salted water, you can cook delicious salad, seasoning for meat or fish, for mashed potatoes and sandwiches. They add a spicy flavor to scrambled eggs and egg dishes. They can be dried, ground and used in dried form as a healthy and pleasant seasoning for food.

Petals - have a wonderful smell and are mixed with tea, liquors and wines are infused on them. It has long been the custom of the Japanese to drink an infusion of flowers, stems and leaves of chrysanthemums with rice water.

The soul rests and heals, only admiring the flowers. Chrysanthemums are a symbol of joy and laughter. It is believed that chrysanthemums bring happiness, success, good luck, have the ability to ward off illness and misfortune. According to ancient tradition, even today a chrysanthemum petal is placed at the bottom of a bowl of sake in order to live a long and healthy life
The Japanese believe that the dew collected from the chrysanthemum prolongs life. Japanese beauties wiped their faces with a cloth soaked in the dew of chrysanthemums to preserve youth and beauty.

Chrysanthemum for the Japanese is not only magical flower longevity and the herald of autumn. In autumn it is nice to look out the window, see crimson maples and eat a cup of soup in which maple leaves of carrots float (*cutting carrots in the form of maple leaves, the cook reminds of autumn).

In the Japanese city of Nihonmatsu, an exhibition of ningyo dolls made from live chrysanthemums is held in autumn.

Several people traditionally work on the creation of one doll.
The image of the future doll is created by the artist-designer - Dogu-cho. The basis of the puppet body ( wooden frame), the head, hands and feet of the doll are made by the puppeteer - Ningyo-shi. Further, the body of the doll is formed with bamboo dice and rice grass "He Who Covers the Body with Chrysanthemums" or Kiku-shi.
The flowers themselves are not cut for dolls, but dug up with roots and carefully wrap the roots in wet moss. Inside, the doll is filled with roots and stems of plants, and on top it turns out to be dressed in hundreds of beautiful flowers.

Chrysanthemums. Flowers

Do you know that:
長月 (nagatsuki)9th lunar month in Japan is called month of chrysanthemums.
菊 (kiku) - this hieroglyph in Japan denotes chrysanthemum. And they also have the sun. Therefore, we can say that in Japan there are two suns - one in the sky, the other on the ground).

23 September The Earth occupies a strictly vertical position relative to the Sun, which in turn crosses the Celestial Equator and passes from the Northern Hemisphere to the Southern. At the same time, astronomical Autumn (in the north) and astronomical Spring (in the south) come in these parts of the world. On this day, the length of day and night on the whole Earth is the same and equal to 12 hours..
秋分の日 (shubun no hee) - Autumn equinox day An official holiday in Japan that has been celebrated since 1878.

Chrysanthemum - the official symbol of Japan.

Chrysanthemum in Japan is not just loved - but idolized.

9th of the 9th lunar month in Japan used to celebrate Chrysanthemum Festival. People rode "chrysanthemum boats", drank "chrysanthemum wine", admired chrysanthemums blooming in gardens, composed songs and poems in their honor. “Chrysanthemum verses” were written on long paper strips with ink with special care and attached to trees so that the wind would spread the glory of the beauty of chrysanthemums around the world ... "

Chrysanthemum in Japan is a symbol of the sun and a favorite flower of the Sun Goddess Amaterasu, from whom Japanese emperors descended.

A yellow or orange chrysanthemum with 16 petals is an imperious symbol of the imperial house in Japan from the 12th century.

It was then that she was engraved on the blade of the emperor's precious saber, a little later on the imperial seal and clothes.
In 1888, the "Order of the Chrysanthemum" was created, with which only three people were awarded during the entire period of its existence.
In 1910, the chrysanthemum was declared the national flower of Japan.
Japan does not have an official coat of arms, but the cover of a Japanese passport is decorated with a chrysanthemum.
Chrysanthemums are also depicted on Japanese coins.

There is a specially bred vegetable chrysanthemum - Chrysanthemum coronarium L.
Leaves hers are similar to carrot ones - carved, openwork, light green in color. BUT flowers like a chamomile - with white or yellow petals.

Chrysanthemum flowers and leaves are wonderful food.
They have been used as food for health promotion for several centuries and not only in Japan. It is known that chrysanthemum nourishes not only the body, but also the soul. These flowers "resist the breath of autumn and the gray hairs of winter", they help a person survive the harsh time, stock up and retain vitality.
Young leaves and flowers of the annual vegetable chrysanthemum are used for food, which contain many useful substances. Young leaves are especially useful in early spring or late autumn. They eat flowers and leaves of chrysanthemums little by little: this is quite enough to improve health.

The edible leaves of the vegetable chrysanthemum are called shungiku in Japan.. They have an interesting pleasant smell and a piquant taste that adorns any dish (they are boiled for several minutes, slightly salted, squeezed, finely chopped and served with seasoning). From the leaves of vegetable chrysanthemum, you can cook a delicious salad, seasoning for meat or fish, mashed potatoes and sandwiches. They add a spicy flavor to scrambled eggs and egg dishes. They can be dried, ground and used in dried form as a healthy and pleasant seasoning for food.

petals- have a wonderful smell and are mixed with tea, liquors and wines are infused on them. It has long been the custom of the Japanese to drink an infusion of flowers, stems and leaves of chrysanthemums with rice water.

The soul rests and heals only by admiring the flowers of chrysanthemum.
Chrysanthemums are a symbol of joy and laughter. It is believed that chrysanthemums bring happiness, success, good luck, have the ability to ward off illness and misfortune. According to an ancient tradition, a chrysanthemum petal is placed at the bottom of a bowl of sake today in order to live a long and healthy life. The Japanese believe that the dew collected from the chrysanthemum prolongs life. Japanese beauties wiped their faces with a cloth soaked in the dew of chrysanthemums to preserve youth and beauty.

Chrysanthemum for the Japanese is not only a magical flower of longevity, but also a messenger of autumn.
In the Japanese city of Nihonmatsu, an exhibition of ningyo dolls made from live chrysanthemums is held in autumn.

Several people traditionally work on the creation of one doll.
The image of the future doll is created by the artist-designer - Dogu-cho. The puppeteer makes the basis of the puppet body (wooden frame), the head, hands and feet of the puppet - Ningyo-shi. Further, the body of the doll is formed with bamboo dice and rice grass. "The One Who Covers the Body with Chrysanthemums" or Kikushi.
The flowers themselves are not cut for dolls, but dug up with roots and carefully wrap the roots in wet moss. Inside, the doll is filled with roots and stems of plants, and on top it turns out to be dressed in hundreds of beautiful flowers.

Chrysanthemums. Flowers

Chrysanthemums. Photo/Paintings

Varvara Grishchenko

Ludmila Gurar

Zaa Shakhazova-Abdulaeva