The Japanese are very sensitive to the state symbols.The flag, emblem, anthem - it all reflects most of their traditionalist culture.What are the important characters are hidden behind a simple red-white cloth and what is its history?What is the symbolism of using a fleet?
Modern Japan flag
used at the moment and very recognizable worldwide flag is a white canvas with a red circle in the center.This image is designed to symbolize the rising of the sun, which is mentioned in the informal name of the country.Besides direct drawing, and have a color value.So, white expresses wholeness and purity, and the red - sincerity, warmth and brightness.After World War II the state symbol while not popular, but on August 13, 1999, he once again in vogue.Its official name - "nissёki."Translated into Russian, it means "sunny flag".However, more commonly known phrase "hee-no-maru" which means "sun disc".In general, such an image can be divided into three separate meaning.Firstly, the emperor of Japan is considered to be of divine origin of man, that is the son of the sun.Secondly, in Shintoism, which is the traditional Japanese system of religious beliefs, red means life, fire and energy.Third, the matter and the geographical location of the country.Previously it was thought that the Japanese archipelago is located at the eastern end of the earth, from which the sun rises.
History of
believed that the first versions of hi-no-maru appeared in the Heian period.Then the symbol depicted on fans generals to bring the power of a heavenly body, and give it to the troops.The history of the flag of Japan has kept the legend that the first Japanese Emperor Jimmu crushed enemy because behind him was the sun, whose rays blinded contenders.The second legend refers to the Buddhist monk Nichiren, who created the flag after the Mongol invasion attempts, and gave it to the shogun.There is also a version that the flag with a red circle gave the samurai.The national flag of Chi-no-maru used since the time of the Meiji Restoration.Then the flag of Japan has been installed on each merchant ship.The country opened to the world after a long isolation, it needed a way to help introduce yourself to the other members of the international community.After the Second World War, the image has become associated with Japanese militarism, so the state began discussions about changing the flag.The neighbors solar circle caused a strong dislike, but in the course of active economic, political and social transformation controversy came to naught.Only in the nineties it adopted a law on the national flag and anthem, finding that the traditional image will be used.Day of the Law is now celebrated as a day of national symbols.
What is a flag?
image should include not just a white background with a red circle, it clearly standardized.So, what flag Japan, determines the state law, according to which the image of the solar disk should be scarlet.The diameter of the circle should be three-fifths of the width of the cloth, its location on the one hundredth shifted to the shaft.Horizontal flag refers to the vertical seven to ten.These dimensions are formed on the basis of the idea that the ratio of white and scarlet becomes as harmonious.In some cases, the image of the solar disk is also used bright red color.
Imperial standard
By their nature and the history of the normal state symbol - this Imperial flag of Japan, as it was used originally rulers.But at the moment, the ruling family has its own symbolism.Part of the imperial standard coincides with the image of the State Emblem of the informal - chrysanthemum flower is the second after the sun popular national symbol.The image certainly sixteen yellow petals, raspozhennyh double row.Picture called "kikukamonse."The background for it is usually a red flag.The history of the image states that created it Gotoba emperor, a great lover of roses.Officially, it was recognized in 1869.Also associated with chrysanthemums beautiful old legend.She says that in ancient times, a Chinese emperor learned of the existence of the plant from which you can make the elixir of life.It was called the chrysanthemum and grew to one of the nearby islands.Breaking the magic plant could only be pure in heart people.The cruel emperor was a sinner, so go to the island three hundred girls and young boys.They were fascinated by this place and never returned to China, establishing a new country.So there was Japan.
military flag of Japan
regular Japanese army was established during the Meiji Restoration.The Armed Forces were formed with the help of foreign advisers and got their own symbols.They did not use the main national flag of Japan, as its own version.On a white cloth on a red circle moving away sixteen broad rays.This number has a special meaning for the Japanese.Number sixteen is associated with the emperor.Under this flag Japan was at war with the nineteenth to the early twentieth century.By the thirties began the transition to the national symbolism.The beams were removed, the image of the solar disk is sometimes made shifted to emphasize that the flag of the naval.
historical facts about the military symbolism
Samurai spirit cultivated in the Japanese army, but for the majority of the rank and file, he was not too close.They were important thoughts of home and family.Because of this, on the basis of national symbols there was a special tradition.When the soldiers went to the front, he took with him a small flag of Japan, where family and friends wrote his wishes or special prayers.This canvas is made of natural thin silk was a kind gift from family, colleagues in school or work, sometimes from colleagues.The tradition of the flag was so prevalent that ordinary duffel bag was his special little pouch.Today, many museums are kept mementos, past war.
