Starting with the magnificent Mt. Fuji, Japan is a country where mountains are prominent. A folklorist named Kanzaki, in an essay reported by Yomiuri Shimbun on December 2 (2016), explains the Japanese belief that mountains are inhabited by gods, and that honoring those gods with colorful festivals is a uniquely Japanese tradition. He is careful to explain that these gods are not in any way connected with a system of religious beliefs; they are more like "amoeba", shapeless but nonetheless real to those living within their range of influence, according to Mr. Kanzaki.
Recently, 33 festivals honoring these mountain spirits have been granted UNESCO recognition as intangible cultural assets. Why? Because of their creativity and artistry.
Colorful floats! Intricate illuminations! Music and rhythmical teamwork! Japanese love their festivals, not least because putting one on fosters community ties. At mountainous locations throughout the Japanese islands of Honshu and Kyushu, festivals are held from April to November.
2009年12月26日土曜日
A Thought at Christmas Time
Saturnalia—the ancient Roman festivities that took place in mid-December—may be the earliest verifiable ancestor of our Christmas/New Year festivities. Evergreens and holly probably have more to do with this tradition from frosty Europe than with the events in Mediterranean Bethlehem, as they symbolize faith in the return of the sun’s warmth and the regeneration of all that is green and growing, not to mention edible.
Japan has a tradition of reverence for the sun, too. Just look at the national flag—a red circle on a white background representing the rising sun. One of Japan’s preeminent geographers, Tsunesaburo Makiguchi, wrote in one of his works that this choice showed a certain ecological wisdom. The American environmentalist Hazel Henderson would agree. Asked to place an economic value on solar energy, she replied, “Should we figure in the value of pre-warming the planet?” Without the sun, we might as well be Pluto.
Japan, too, tries to celebrate Christmas, but the festivities are more like Saturnalia—a way to brighten up a cold season that contains the shortest day and the longest night. Frankly, I like it. I like the idea of taking the given circumstances and making something out of them.
Makiguchi, the Japanese philosopher who gave our ancestors credit for recognizing the worth of solar light and warmth, didn’t advocate worshiping the sun as a god/goddess. Instead, he advocated a philosophy that asked, “Given your circumstances, what are you putting forth? What are you creating? What value are you adding to society?”
I like that thought a lot. Joy, cheer, an appropriate gift, breaking bread together! There are so many ways to put forth creative contributions out of our own particular circumstances.
Happy Holidays to All!
Japan has a tradition of reverence for the sun, too. Just look at the national flag—a red circle on a white background representing the rising sun. One of Japan’s preeminent geographers, Tsunesaburo Makiguchi, wrote in one of his works that this choice showed a certain ecological wisdom. The American environmentalist Hazel Henderson would agree. Asked to place an economic value on solar energy, she replied, “Should we figure in the value of pre-warming the planet?” Without the sun, we might as well be Pluto.
Japan, too, tries to celebrate Christmas, but the festivities are more like Saturnalia—a way to brighten up a cold season that contains the shortest day and the longest night. Frankly, I like it. I like the idea of taking the given circumstances and making something out of them.
Makiguchi, the Japanese philosopher who gave our ancestors credit for recognizing the worth of solar light and warmth, didn’t advocate worshiping the sun as a god/goddess. Instead, he advocated a philosophy that asked, “Given your circumstances, what are you putting forth? What are you creating? What value are you adding to society?”
I like that thought a lot. Joy, cheer, an appropriate gift, breaking bread together! There are so many ways to put forth creative contributions out of our own particular circumstances.
Happy Holidays to All!
2008年7月28日月曜日
More Eisa in Shinjuku
To perform this role, you don't need to beat a drum or play a sanshin. However, you must be able to whistle very loudly through your teeth.
Eisa Time in Shinjuku
Eisa! Nothing is more exciting than this "ghost dancing" parade that takes place in midsummer. The eisa festivities are one of the many Japanese ways to keep family members and friends who have passed away alive in the heart. The drums, the music, and the dancing are a welcome back rite for the loved ones we have lost--and a vigorous "get out of here" warning to whatever evil spirits might be lurking.
Okinawa culture is riding an unprecedented wave of popularity, especially among people who were not born there but visited the island and fell in love with it. It is even popular among those who have never, ever been there.
Culture is said to be the crystallization of human wisdom, knowledge of the secret workings of the heart made visible. That may explain Okinawan culture's power of attraction.
Okinawa culture is riding an unprecedented wave of popularity, especially among people who were not born there but visited the island and fell in love with it. It is even popular among those who have never, ever been there.
Culture is said to be the crystallization of human wisdom, knowledge of the secret workings of the heart made visible. That may explain Okinawan culture's power of attraction.
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