Culture and Religion
Made by Kathy
Samurai
Samurais belong to clans of professional warriors that serve and protect feudal lords. As a result, samurais develop their martial arts in order to defend the lords' territoies from rivals, engage in combat with enemies that the government has identified, and engage in battle with hostile tribes and bandits.
Samurais follow a code known as "Bushido," which translates to "the way of the warrior." The Bushido code emphasizes the value of loyalty, honor, and martial arts. The Bushido code has eight virtues, which are listed below.
The Eight Virtues
I. Rectitude or Justice
II. Courage
III. Benevolence or Mercy
IV. Politeness
V. Honesty and Sincerity
VI. Honor
VII. Loyalty
VIII. Character and Self-Control
Katana
One of the two primary tradtional samurai swords used by samurais is the katana. This sword is distinguished by a long, curved blade that cuts through a variety of materials with ease. Despite samurais being required to carry two swords, samurais prefer the katana over the wakizashi due to its vast difference in length.
Wakizashi
The other one of the two primary traditional samurai swords that samurais are required to carry on their side at all times is the wakizashi. It serves as a backup sword, or auxilary sword, and is essentially the shorter version of the katana. It is also more easier to behead a defeated opponent when using the wakizashi in close combat.
Religion
Buddhism
The Buddhism religion is one of the two major religions in Japan. Buddhism is a way of life that involves practice and spiritual growth that leads to understanding of the true nature of things. Buddhists hold that enlightenment can only be achieved through meditation, hard work both physically and spiritually, and proper behaviour. They also hold that human life is one of suffering.
Shinto
The Shinto religion is the other major religion in Japan. The Shinto religion is a flexible religion that emphasizes or focuses on purity, compassion for nature, and respect for one's ancestors. The basic principles or main beliefs of the Shinto religion are the value of purity, harmony, respect for nature, respect for the family, and individual devotion to the group.
Food
Sushi
Sushi is a dish or cuisine, which contains small balls or rolls of vinegar-flavored cold cooked rice served with a garnish of raw fish, vegetables, or eggs.
Miso Soup
Miso soup is a traditional soup cooked with miso paste, dashi (broth), and extra ingredients such as vegetables, seaweed, and tofu.
Ramen
Ramen is a noodle soup that combines a flavorful broth, a particular type of noodle, and a choice of meats or vegetables, with a boiled egg on top.
Tempura
The Japanese dish known as tempura involves battering and deep frying food(usually seafood, vegetables, or sushi) to create a crispy coating.
Kimono
The kimono is a traditional Japanese garment. There are many different designs and patterns for kimonos. Usually made from four identical pieces of fabric called tans, they are hand-sewn into the shape of a "T" and fastened with an obi, or belt. Kimonos are prized for their meaning. In addition to their distinctive aesthetics; the combination of style, motif, color, and material reveals the wearer's unique individuality. The status, characteristics, and virtues of the wearer are also indicated through patterns, emblems, and other designs.
Works Cited
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Cartwright, Mark, et al. “Shinto.” World History Encyclopedia, 3 April 2017, https://www.worldhistory.org/Shinto/. Accessed 4 April 2023.
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“15-Minute Miso Soup with Greens & Tofu.” Minimalist Baker, https://minimalistbaker.com/15-minute-miso-soup-with-greens-and-tofu/. Accessed 4 April 2023.
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Richman, Kelly. “What is a Kimono? The History of the Traditional Kimono.” My Modern Met, 26 July 2022, https://mymodernmet.com/japanese-kimono/. Accessed 4 April 2023.
Scherschel, Joe. “Buddhism.” National Geographic Society, 7 February 2023, https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/buddhism/. Accessed 4 April 2023.
Szczepanski, Kallie. “Bushido, The Samurai Code.” ThoughtCo, 5 September 2019, https://www.thoughtco.com/what-is-bushido-195302. Accessed 4 April 2023.
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