Part Four - October, November and December
October (Month of the Gods)
Momiji (Maple)
a.k.a Shika (Deer)
In this
month, all of the 8 million Shinto gods leave their provincial shrines to
congregate at the Great Shrine in Izumo (Izumo Taisha) (the centre of Shinto
religion). Izumo is about 60 miles north of Hiroshima. Like the month of June
(‘Mizunazuki’), ‘Kaminazuki’
(October) can be interpreted two ways. It can be read as the ‘month of Gods’ or
‘month without Gods’. In this case, both readings can be correct whether you
are in Izumo or not.
October
is represented by the changing autumnal colours of the ‘Momiji’ (Maple) leaves. Although, not technically a flower, the
brilliant autumn red leaves of the Maple tree are as colourful as any flower.
Like many people around the world Japanese enjoy seeking out groves of maple
trees turning hillsides brilliant hues of red and yellow. ‘Momijigari’ is the
word for maple leaf viewing.
The
stag on the Tane (Animal) card represents gentleness. Together with the red Maple, they
are a symbol of longevity. This suit is more commonly known as 'Shika' (Deer) in Japan.
November (Frost month)
Yanagi (Willow)
a.k.a Ame (Rain)
November is
known as the ‘Yanagi’ (Willow), or more commonly ‘Ame’ (Rain) suit. The Willow tree is a
symbol of grace and strength. In China and Japan, the Willow symbolises the
traits of an ideal woman and Geisha are often compared to the Willow. The ‘Tsubame’ (Swallow) is often shown with
the Willow. They are seen as good companions and are symbols of happiness and
harmony. Swallows are often associated with spring but there are species that
migrate to spend the winter in Japan.
The other
notable figure in the November suit is the man with an umbrella. This man is
the famous Heian period calligrapher Ono
no Toufuu (Ono no Michikaze is the more formal reading of his name). He is
credited with creating a Japanese style of writing Chinese characters.
Calligraphy in this case is more than just fancy writing. It was very important
to have standard ways of writing, especially when using a writing system as
complicated as Chinese. A popular story arose in the Edo period about how he
was feeling particularly hopeless one rainy day and considered quitting his
study of calligraphy. He stopped by a stream near a Willow tree and saw a small
Frog trying to leap to a dangling Willow branch. He watched the Frog leap for
the branch, but every time the wind would blow it just out of reach. Finally on
the eighth attempt, the Frog clung to the branch. Ono no Tofu was inspired by
the perseverance of the Frog, and continued his career to become one of the
most famous calligraphers in Japan. There are doubts that the story is true,
but it is an inspiring tale nonetheless.
The design of the Lightning/Storm card is somewhat abstract and it depicts
the strong storms around this time of year. Typhoons usually arrive in Japan
from September until November. The largest storms occur toward the end of the
year. The card is filled with lightning and rain. The black and red form the
outline of a tornado, or waterspout. Traditionally on the bottom is a large
drum symbolising thunder.
December (Priest's Run)
Kiri (Paulownia)
‘Shiwasu’
is the last of the old month names that is commonly used in modern Japan. Since
the nation switched to the Gregorian calendar in 1873 the months are only known
by a number - month-one, month-two, month-three etc. The end of the solar year
and the beginning of the New Year is one of the most important holidays in
Japan. It is a very exciting and busy time for everybody, especially the
priests. Every new year Japanese visit the Shinto and Buddhist temples to get
their blessings for the New Year. The last month of the year is marked by the
rushing about of busy priests as they prepare for New Year's Day. If you are in
Japan on New Year's Day it will seem like every person in Japan is at their
local temple at the stroke of midnight. The Japanese look to the New Year as a
chance to shake off all the burdens of the previous year and get a fresh start.
The Phoenix is the symbol of righteousness and often connected with the
Empress. It is a representation of the mandate from heaven giving the Emperor
the authority to rule. Legend says that only the ‘Kiri’ tree is beautiful
enough for the Phoenix to land on.
December is represented by the ‘Kiri’ (Paulownia) plant. The Kiri is the official symbol of the Prime Minister of Japan and of the democratically elected system of government. This was the 'Mon' (symbol) of the Toyotomi clan that ruled over Japan prior to the Edo period.
The most influential figure within the Toyotomi was Toyotomi Hideyoshi, one of the three 'unifiers of Japan'. Oda Nobunaga was another primary unifier and the ruler of the Oda clan at the time. Hideyoshi had joined Nobunaga at a young age but was not highly regarded because of his peasant background. Nevertheless, Hideyoshi's increasing influence allowed him to seize a significant degree of power from the Oda clan following Oda Nobunaga's death in 1582. As the virtual ruler of the most of Japan, Hideyoshi created a new clan name 'Toyotomi' in 1584 and achieved the unification of Japan in 1589.
When Hideyoshi died in 1598, his son Toyotomi Hideyori was still an infant. Five regents were appointed to rule until his maturity and conflicts among them began quickly. In 1600, Tokugawa Ieyasu deposed Hideyori and took power after winning the Battle of Sekigahara. In 1614, Hideyori came into conflict with the Tokugawa clan, leading to Tokugawa Ieyasu's Siege of Osaka from 1614 to 1615. As a result of the siege, Hideyori was forced to commit seppuku (ritual suicide). After his death, the Toyotomi clan dissolved, leaving the Tokugawa clan to solidify their rule of Japan.
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