Stories in pictures: From the streets of Japan
The sights and symbols tell anecdotes. You only need to see.
Daruma Dolls
You might not know their name, but wandering in the markets, you will see these often. They help a person set goals and stay focussed until it is achieved.
How to use?
When you buy one of these dolls, both the eyes are blank. You paint one of the eyes black, while setting a goal. And then once you have achieved that goal, you can paint the other eye too, marking it’s completion. An unfinished Daruma with a single-painted-eye is a constant reminder of your goal so that you strive harder to achieve it. It does not grant wishes but is said to bring good luck, support and protection for you to focus on your goals.
It is believed to be effective only for a year, after which you are supposed to return it in the temple you bought it from, where they are burned. If you do not achieve your goal in that one year, it is not a failure, but it is viewed more like a renewal of vows, where you can get another Daruma doll to remind yourself to continue working towards that goal with a renewed vigour.
Daruma is a representation of Bodhidharma who meditated staring at a wall in a cave. His meditation was so intense that his arms and legs fell off. That’s why Daruma dolls have no arms and legs. You can read about the origin, substories and the related symbolism HERE.
Maneki-neko (beckoning cat)
Irrespective of whether you have been to Japan or not, you might have seen this, and might know it as the lucky cat. It’s a famous Japanese figurine with one paw raised, as if it is calling you. There are many folklores associated with it but all of these have their roots in Tokyo during Edo period.
As one of the stories go- a Samurai was coming back from falconry (something you might have seen in the TV series- Shogun), and was crossing Gotoku-ji. He noticed a cat which appeared as if it was beckoning him into the temple gate. As the samurai followed the cat inside, he realised that he was saved from a sudden unexpected thunderstorm. Grateful to the cat, the samurai decided to make continuous donations to this temple. The cat became the temple symbol and brought continuous good fortune.
As per another folk story- a shop owner took in a stray cat despite being poor himself. The cat then started beckoning customers into the store, bringing him prosperity and good fortune!
You can read the other folklores associated with it HERE.
Ema (wooden hangings in Shinto shrines)
You would notice these small wooden plaques in all the Shinto or Buddhist shrines throughout Japan. People write their wishes or prayers on these wooden plaques and hang them in shrines, where the kami (spirits or Gods) are believed to come and receive these prayers. Many of the Emas we witnessed, had pre-written prayers, sold by the temple.
Randoseru (a unique backpack you see the Japanese children wearing)
In Regional Japan, we noticed something interesting. All the school children were wearing a uniquely designed schoolbag. These iconic bags are hard to miss. They are called Randoseru, and like most things in Japan, even this has a rich history. You might have seen these in many anime series. I was tempted to buy one of these in Tokyo as they had similar ones for adults, but had to give up as they were very expensive ($500 — $900)
Randoseru is generally gifted by grandparents(or parents) to children as they start school, and is used by them for all the 6 years of elementary school. It is made of leather and is known for its quality and workmanship. There is a sentimental value attached to it for many Japanese, and it’s durability is said to represent the carefree years of elementary school.
It has it’s origins in the end of Edo period as the military adopted the Dutch backpacks called ransel. The then crown prince was gifted one of these as he started school, and soon enough it became popular among the royal children. It became prevalent among the general population after World War II, as their purchasing power increased.
Traditionally boys wore black and girls carried red randoseru. But this has changed along with time.
You can read more about it’s history HERE.
Ukiyo-e (pictures from the floating world)
Ukiyo-e art is a style of Japanese woodblock prints and paintings. The name comes from the fact that this style of art developed in the ‘pleasure quarters’ of Tokyo. If you have watched Shogun, it ends with Tokugawa Shogunate striking a deal with courtesans to let them build their quarters when Edo (Tokyo) becomes the capital. Due to the thriving commercial activity, the chonin (working class) became rapidly rich and began to indulge in art and theatre of the pleasure districts. The ‘floating world’ describes and represents the lifestyle these areas. Soon chonins were able to afford and decorate their homes, thereby promoting this new school of art which also had a great influence on Western artists like Monet and Van Gogh. It’s the gateway of eastern art to the Western world.
There is a long history attached to this art form, the symbolisms and its development over the years, if one likes to read.
Gravel Patterns in Japanese gardens
These aesthetic gravel patterns can be found in many gardens and palaces in Japan. It is sometimes called broom eyes (as it can be made with a broom or through raking). ‘Eyes’ because it started as a crime prevention measure. Back in the day ninjas used to enter in the middle of the night as assassins. The broom eyes around the palace made the footsteps audible. It also helps in artistically presenting the gardens while easily raking the autumn leaves. And the designs can withstand the winds and rains.
These are just few of the many beautiful things to be found in the streets of Japan with a rich history and cultural significance. Few other things which peaked my interest are Kokeshi dolls, Japanese pottery, Noren curtains and Bento boxes. But these are stories for some other time.
There are stories all around, if only one sees.
Leaving you with pictures of few of these beauties.
