The Japanese believed that fire has sacred power.
They thought that it symbolizes the energetic, forceful,
moving things in the world. Due to this belief, various
fire festivals were born out of a desire for purification
by fire, reinforcement of spiritual power by fire and so on.
They supposed that the festivals brought the honor of the
tutelary Dosojin deities.
https://www.nippon.com/en/guide-to-japan/gu019005/
For most of Japan’s 15 centuries-long cultural history,
blood was a cursed and dangerous substance. Prior to the
17 centuries, blood was associated with death and symbolic
pollution. Mixed with fluids accompanying childbirth, blood
was classified in Shinto and Buddhism as a “ritually dirty”
substance that was especially harmful to males(Nishida 1995).
Women's menstrual blood is a taboo in Shinto, thought to be
influenced by the popularity of the Buddhist Blood Pond
Sutra (血盆経, Ketsubonkyô).
In Chinese culture, the snake is thought to be a
symbol of good luck. The ancient Chinese also
believed that it would promote a good harvest for
them. In some Han dynasty art, snakes are depicted
as being in close contact with various gods. They
regarded snakes as sacred beings related to their
various gods. Different meanings of snake in China
and foreign countries
They symbolize vitality, social status and good
luck. Around the world, the round, red lantern
remains one of the most easily recognized
trademarks of Chinese culture. So, usually during
Chinese festivals, people usually play with a red
lantern with the candle inside which symbolizes
a prosperous business and a prosperous life.
Chinese Lanterns, Symbols of Joy and Good Fortune
- Visit Beijing
In Chinese culture books symbolize knowledge and wisdom,
embodying the collection of intellectual achievements.
They preserve cultural heritage, transmitting literature,
philosophy, and history through generations. Possession
of books historically signified power and authority,
empowering scholars and officials to influence governance
and society, shaping the course of civilization.
A river called Yellow River has nurtured the Chinese
people since ancient times and witnessed the development
of Chinese civilization. That's why it is known as the
""mother river"" in China and a symbol of the country's
culture and history. The Yellow River Basin is the
birthplace of Chinese civilization.
The Yellow River: A Symbol of China | GenerateArt
Fire generally represents the element of summer, heat, and
enthusiasm in China. It also represents the highest point
of growth and warmth in relationships between humans. Plus,
upward fire symbolizes dynamic, passion and energy. The reason
why fire is considered an important figure in China is its
belief in the Zodiac signs. Zodiac signs consist of 2 animals.
Chinese believe Zodiac signs can tell fortune and they believe
fire is guarding those animals.
Blood represents vigor, strength, and ancestry with its vivid color and
life-giving quality. It has a tremendous impact on our perception of
identity and the human experience, affecting rituals and beliefs across
the globe from antiquated customs to contemporary behaviors. It also
functions as a powerful metaphor in literature and art.
In ancient China, people believed the snake as a god and praised the snake
because of its mysteriousness. Also, the snake was often called the
“Little Dragon '' at that time period. The shed skin of the snake was even
called “Dragon skin.”
In Korea, light represents light, hope, and unity. Lanterns are generally
used to represent this symbolism. In some cities of the country, during
traditional festivals, colorful lanterns are commonly used. For instance,
“Jinju City Exhibition” exhibits many lanterns that are made of silk. In
the Bible, light is a symbol of holiness, goodness, knowledge, wisdom,
grace, hope, and God’s revelation.
In Japanese history, the concept of the "book" holds profound significance,
representing knowledge, learning, and the transmission of culture and ideas.
Additionally, it symbolizes the influence of Chinese culture on Japan, as
the written word was introduced to Japan through Chinese characters. This
cultural exchange played a crucial role in shaping Japan's intellectual
landscape and identity over time.
The Japanese Garden and other gardens worldwide use a river or creek to
symbolize life's flow. The source symbolizes birth and youth, while the
waterfall symbolizes life's force. The river's rapid flow breaches dams,
expressing life's tensions. The river's transformation from wild to gentle
signifies youth and adulthood. In Japanese history, the river symbolizes
change, continuity, and purification in Shinto practices.
In Korean culture the fire symbolizes two main things, vital force,
destructive power and connection. The symbolization of vital force
originated from the blaze of fire and the symbolization of destructive
power originated from defeating evil forces. Also, the symbolization of
connection originated from the tradition, chesa. During chesa, people
burn incense known as “hyang” to communicate heaven and earth, the earth
and the earth, the living and the dead. The symbolic meaning of fire is
shown in traditional games. For example, between villages there was a
torch fight which was an event to drive away evil spirits with fire and
pray for New Year's farming and good luck.
Blood is considered an essential fluid of the body that has the power
to give life. Blood was considered a nonrenewable source of life. Loss
of blood is equivalent to loss of vigor. As a result of China’s strong
family values that asserts that children are deferential to parents
—especially the father—giving away blood was culturally forbidden.
In Korean culture the snake symbolizes immortality, patience. The
symbolization of immortality came from two concepts, the zodiac and
shedding. The snake is the 6th animal of the zodiac. Besides, the snake
sheds its slough every period of time which symbolizes rebirth. The
symbolization of patience originated from the Korean legend of a snake
turning into a dragon. The snake turns into a huge serpent and patiently
waits a thousand years underwater in order to be a dragon.
Buddhism, in Chinese culture, associates lanterns with light and wisdom.
Lanterns and lamps have been a part of Chinese culture for generations,
coming in a variety of designs and materials. Lanterns are associated with
fertility. Underneath wedding beds are lamps known as children's and
grandchildren's lamps. Beside the bed of a bride and groom, lamps were
set up for the entire night. A lengthy marriage was represented if they
went out at the same time. Additionally, a pregnant woman's bed is
decorated with lanterns. Lanterns are symbolic of celebration in China.
Lanterns have special significance on the Feast of the Lanterns, which is
held in the first Chinese month. They serve as markers for both visitors
and the spirits of the deceased.
In Korean culture, books symbolize knowledge and uniformity. The
symbolization of knowledge comes from the book's nature, to contain
knowledge. For example, Dong-uibogam is a series of medical books
written by Heo Jun, royal physician of Joseon dynasty. The symbolization
of uniformity originated from the creation of the book. After the creation
of words in order to share the uniformed character, people needed objects
to write one to. When the system was established among the objects, books
were created.
Rivers symbolize the flow of life, the passage of time, and the
ever-changing nature of existence. They represent purification, renewal,
and the washing away of impurities. Rivers are also seen as pathways
for spiritual journeys, guiding souls to the afterlife. Additionally,
they symbolize strength, perseverance, and the ability to overcome
obstacles, as they carve their way through landscapes over time. Rivers
are revered in Shintoism as embodiments of kami (deities) and are deeply
intertwined with Japanese spirituality and traditions.
In Korean history, fire symbolizes the dynasty’s civility and its
moralistic principles in governing the country. An example of this is
Gwanghwamun. It is placed in the Southern side of Kyungbok palace, which is
the direction representing fire, and there is Haetae placed in front, which
is an imaginary animal said to live in fire. It means the king’s great virtue
illuminates the entire country.
In Korean history, the blood symbolizes creativity, immortality, and hope since
the color red symbolizes sun, fire, production, creation, passion, and love;
Related to that, that is also another reason why the Koreans assume that “Hyo”
is the most important value, especially during the Joseon period.
The phrase “ the blood is stronger than water” represents how much Koreans have
been into family-blood relationships since Korean history.
Among the animals, the sixth zodiac animal, the snake is a symbol of immortality and
regeneration. It is also the guardian deity of the southeast. However, in reality, snakes
are regarded as dangerous and disgusting animals. People avoid snakes but also believe
them as strange and magical creatures which transform into dragons in a hundred years.
People also create numerous stories about snakes and the snake in stories has multiple
faces standing in for man
The light in Japanese history symbolizes the positive value of
life such as cleanliness. It is related to Japanese candle making
history. As they make candles, the fire makes the house brighter.
So that became a metaphor for the phrase “ bright family”.
Also, the lanterns were introduced in Japan through China during
the Han dynasty period. It became a symbol of good luck and
happiness. During the Obon festival, the families hung the
lanterns up to the front door so that their ancestor’s spirit
could find their way home.
In Korean history, the book symbolizes protection and motivation
for change.. When Korea was taken over by Japan, people began
to believe that they needed to learn and gain more knowledge
to protect the nation. During this period, publishers started
publishing books such as textbooks with information about Western
technologies, and history of their own. These books provided
Koreans with a sense of their identity, and they realized the
importance of liberation.
In Chinese culture, water commonly symbolized receptivity,
pliability, and stillness. This symbolic meaning was largely
influenced by the Daoist thought, a popular school of thought
in China. This is because it represents the yin qualities,
which are feminine, passive, and receptive characteristics
that can balance the yang attributes such as masculine,
aggressive, and hardness.
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