The Japanese culture was always very much influenced by China and western particles, the art, the religion, all social life was determined
by new trends. These trends were mostly of religious background.
Confucianism and Buddhism. The feudal system in Japan and its
hierarchical structure prevailed for many centuries. The attempts to
introduce and granted new believes faced persecutions and prejudice.
Japan was not ready and not willing to accept newcomers, any change
was welcomed with hostility. The folklore of Japan is very
picturesque, the origins of Japan and its inhabitants were mentioned
in numerous tales, oracle songs. The most well-known tales tell that
the Japanese people had their descendants in the Sun Goddess. A
divine symbol will always be a Fuji mountain as an ecclesiastical ancestry
of Japanese people. It is proved that most of the literature, especially the old
texts had its background dated back to early migrations that took place
from China, but also from Tibet, Mongolia, Korea, Southeast Asia. The
history of Japan shapes the language, ancient language had a very
simple form, time after time it became more and more complex. The
scholars from Japan and China were not familiar with the culture of
both nations at first.
Early Japanese tribes were living and inhabiting the nearby islands.
The first recognized one is Ainu – which had strong Caucasians
origins. They dominated the northern part of the jurisdiction. They
were hunters and fishermen. Gradually their population was shortened
to the small group that inhabited Hokkaido Island.
One might be astounded, but, Japanese are not Japanese, namely, they are Mongolian, their origins are as old as Mongolian plateau. So for
that reason, Japanese people are truly Mongolian race. The Mongolian
features are visible on every step; pigmentation of skin, black hair,
endurance, adaptation to hostile, constantly changing weather
conditions, freezing climate doesn't seem to be an obstacle.
The climate of North Siberia, where the people came from shaped their
character and survival traits. But Mongolian race is not only one,
that is marked in Japanese veins, Finnish, Hungarian, Magyar, south
China, southwest Asia, Pacific Islands, as well. The shrines shows
how the early settings were shaped, organized and built up. The most
well preserved is so-called 1Shinto
Shrine, the materials used to built it and maintain it were
sophisticated, alike the tools.
Anthropomorphism is in this case important. It were genes that determined of who we are; the changes of the climate, the migration,
race mixing, made humans strong to withstand all unpredictable
changes. This anthropomorphism didn't end, in contrary, it still
lasts. Men and women constantly change theirs bodies; the perfect
shape hunts us in our dreams, all has to be pleasant to the eye, the
body has to more slim, more lean, sadly, it doesn't mean it is
stronger, healthier, of a better quality.
Japan settlers were very curious of the outside world, they built primitive boats to inquiry what lays further on, their artificial
horizon were shaken off. First trips were disastrous ones, most of
the crew died, nonetheless, unstoppable urge to know more and
advancement in technology allowed for more and more safe oversea
trips, a successful one. In a very short time Japan became a
forerunner of marine technology. The history of Japan (its migration
of cultures, encounters, marine conquers) is alike to Great
Britain's. Both countries are not far away from big continents. The
major difference are mountains, Japan has got high mountain ranges,
volcanoes, the most well-known is the Mountain Fuji, it is the most likable
spot to admire, the last eruption of this magnificent volcano took
place in 1707.
Japan doesn't have much minerals, the sources of iron and oil are
poor and of a poor quality, the archaeological sources gave us the significant amount of information, however, the mythology is very
difficult to interpret, the issue is immense and voluminous, Old
Stone Age of Japan is almost impossible to trace out. The known
records starts 3.000 B.C at that time Jomon culture
began, the culture of “cord pattern” had a great impact on Japan,
the pottery masterpieces were created. It developed quickly and
became a craftsmanship. The next group is dated between 300-100 B.C,
the Tokyo district was inhabited by Yayoi group, who cultivated and
developed agriculture, irrigation, rice plantations. They also
produced very advanced bronze and iron tools. They could easily
combine both materials. The rice was their prime domain. Archaeological excavations revealed items that were scarcely to be
discovered such as mirrors; bells; swords; ceremonial weapons.
Surprisingly the technological advancement was far much better than housing, early people had shabby households, however, they loved
worshiping their ancestors. Therefore so-called Tomb Culture emerged.
Huge stone burial chambers were built, some of them reached more than
1500 feet in length and 120 feel in height. The Yamato are has got
the numerous amount of such chambers.
Japan successfully extended its territory, in 108 B.C the colony in Korea has been set up, in the same time Han dynasty absorbed smaller
dynasties, the trade with clothing and other materials sped up
rapidly. In 292 A.D the court of Wei Chin emerges, it blooms during
the tomb culture. Approximately at the same time “Wa” - so-called
“dwarf people” migrated to Japan. Their constant change of places
and never-ending migration built up and spread a tale that they lived
in “hundred of countries”. They interest in law and science as
well as influential position at Wei Court made them a forerunner of
governing, noble class in Japan. Tattoos marked the social
diversification. They also developed spinning and weaving industry as
well as fishing. The beautiful stone figures reflect the life of
people at that period. Women governed the throne more often than men.
Queen Pimiko or Himeko was called the Daughter of the Sun. People
believed in ghost, mediums, the Shino legends are the most beautiful
tales we encounter at that time.
The legend of Japan
“... the powerful and influential God was standing on the rainbow
bridge of Heaven and dripping a spear into the ocean beneath. Drops water falling from the tip of the spear congealed to form the sacred
island of Japan...”
The belief in God Izanagi is a good fate and good sight; the sign of
fertility, prosperity, richness and happiness.
The legend about Susanowo is much more beautiful and picturesque.
This full of contradictions protagonist is cute. A troublemaker and
unruly fellow. His adventures reflect archaic Japanese society. His serious at times crimes somehow reminded unpunished. For instance, he
broke off the borders of the rice plantation belonged to his sister;
in agricultural community it was a serious crime.
"... another myth is of slewing the piebald colt of Heaven. It was disgraced by Susanowo, he purposefully threw its skin into the
Weaving Hall where the Sun Goddess was working with her maidens. It
was heavily punished, still it was not of the highest punishments –
the capital one. Susanowo was banished to the far fetched regions to
be never seen again..."
Each of the folklore tale reflects the archaic, primitive nature of the human being. It is humorous, amusing and funny. The characters are funny. This legends are perfect example of an oracle history of literature.
1Structurally,
a Shinto shrine is usually characterized by the presence of a
sanctuary, where the kami
is
enshrined.
Thehonden
may however be completely absent, as for example when the shrine stands
on a sacred mountain to which it is dedicated, and which is
worshiped directly. The honden
may
be missing also when there are nearby altar-like structures.
There
may be (拝殿
hall
of worship)
and other structures as well. However, a shrine's most important
building is used for the safekeeping of sacred objects rather than
for worship.
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