Journal of Student Research 2019

Journal of Student Research

Tradition and Modernization: the Survival of the Japanese Kimono blossom has also been closely related to the philosophy of Mono No Aware 4 (Bond, 2017, p. 1; & Aung, 2015). Butterflies- symbolizing metamorphosis and transformation. Depending on the type of butterfly and color the butterfly can have multiple meanings. For example, in Japanese folk tale and superstition, a big black butterfly is usually associated with a departing spirit, an omen or misfortune. Although this is stated, the butterfly is in many family crests (Aung, 2015). Lotus- symbolizing purity, the reason for this is due to its ability to rise from the muddy waters and become a beautiful flower. “Most commonly associated with the Buddhist achievement of enlightenment, [as a prevalent] symbol of living [a person’s] life to the fullest” (qtd in Aung, 2015, p 2). Folding fan- symbolizing high social status and the journey of life. According to Aung, although adopted from the Chinese culture, historically all Japanese people of all ages, gender, and demographics have been using the fan to tell stories or convey secret messages through its beautiful paintings and frameworks (Aung, 2015). Chrysanthemum- symbolizing endurance and rejuvenation, it was “first introduced as a symbol by the Japanese royal family as an imperial emblem during the Nara period” (qtd in Aung, 2015). In the modern era, the symbol of the 16-petal chrysanthemum is mostly used for official government seals and on the Japanese passport (Aung, 2015). Daruma- symbolizing achievement. In the form of a traditional Japanese wishing doll. When received, a person will pick a specific goal that they are determined to achieve, then to show the commitment to the goal, one eye of the daruma is drawn. After, the doll is put in a visible area as a reminder of the commitment. When aching the goal, the other eye is drawn (Aung, 2015). Cranes- symbol of longevity and good fortune can be ceremoniously “found during the Japanese New Year and wedding ceremony textile prints” (qtd in Aung, 2015, p 8). Cranes have been a part of Japanese origami, and it is stated

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tradition, tradition can still be seen through the motifs. Example of motifs use in Japanese family crests (Mon kamon, n.d.).

Motifs and meaning Sun- based on the Japanese sun goddess Amaterasu ( 天 照 ) who founded Japan about 2700 years ago. In Japanese culture, the emperors were the direct descendant of the goddess, so they were known as the sons of the sun (Aung, 2015). Being the reason why the Japanese flag has the symbol of the sun, and Japan itself is the land of the rising sun (Aung, 2015). Moon- a symbol of rejuvenation, in addition to the sun goddess Amaterasu, the moon goddess, Tsukiyomi ( 天 照 月 読 ) is another influential figure in Japanese culture and can be commonly seen in Japanese arts and crafts. Due to Japan following the lunar calendar 3 , the symbols correspond to it (Aung, 2015). Cherry blossoms (Sakura)- closely associated with life and an appreciation for fleeting beauty since the flower only blooms during one season and for only a short amount of time. Additionally, since the Heian period, the 月 読

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English translation: “the bittersweet poignancy of things” or “the pathos of things” This philosophy goes back to Japan’s aesthetic of nature as it is but a fleeting moment by its beauty and finally to its melancholic nature as it passes by until the next time it comes again. Giving more appreciation towards it and symbolizing a human’s life as it is but a passing moment in another person’s life or time.

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A calendar based upon the monthly cycle of the moon’s phases. Mostly used in the eastern hemisphere of the world to mark festivities.

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