Like any other country, Japan has state symbols deeply filled with meaning. By studying it, you can learn a lot about the history of the country.
Coat of arms of Japan: history
The main symbol of the country is Kikukamonse - a coat of arms in the form of a chrysanthemum flower. Such a symbol is deeply rooted in the past of the country. During the reign of Emperor Gotoba - from 1183 to 1198 - the image of the plant first appeared in state symbols, namely on the seals of the ruler. Other members of the Kamakur dynasty supported the tradition, and over time the flower became sacred. The official emblem of Japan in the form of a sixteen-petal chrysanthemum was adopted in 1869 by order of the Meiji government. In 1871, a decree appeared that secured the emperor’s right to use it, prohibiting the use of the symbol by persons from other families. During World War II, the coat of arms of Japan became a sign of a great empire. It was located on the bow of warships.
Symbol Value
Chrysanthemum was brought into the country from China. In Japan, she became the personification of wisdom and happiness. Ancient, this flower seemed like a small incarnation of the sun. According to legend, he even became the cause of the country. The cruel Chinese emperor sent three hundred young men and women in search of a flower, since, according to legend, only a person with good intentions can pick it. His envoys were in Japan and were so fascinated by the island that they did not return to the sinner's ruler. It is not surprising that this flower was placed on the country's coat of arms: it is really special for every local resident.
Symbolism in modern life
After the Second World Emblem, Japan was allowed to use not only representatives of the imperial family. The Order of Chrysanthemum became the main state award. Now in the country everywhere you can see the emblem of Japan: photographs, drawings, images of it - at all institutions. Abroad, embassies and consulates are also marked with such symbols. In addition, the sixteen-petal chrysanthemum is depicted on the cover of each Japanese passport.
Japan flag
It is worth exploring not only the emblem, but also another emblem. Moreover, his story has been going on for more than a thousand years. According to the rules that Japan previously adhered to, the emblem and flag are symbols of the emperor, and only he could demonstrate them for a long time. The beginning of the public use of official symbols was associated with the country's entry into the world community. It was necessary to comply with the new order. Prior to this, the state was isolated. In 1870, after realizing the need for contacts with other countries, a decree was issued according to which a flag called "Hinomaru", the most familiar white cloth with a red circle symbolizing the sun, was to be present on every ship. For some time after the Second World War, there was dissatisfaction with this symbol in society - associations with a militaristic country were too strong. But the processes of economic and social development turned out to be so stormy that soon the questions themselves came to naught. In 1999, Hinomaru was officially recognized and by law approved the day dedicated to the flag, August 13th.
The following legend is associated with the appearance of the banner. Emperor Jimmu won the difficult battle because he had the sun behind him. Since then, fans with a red symbol were used by the luminaries for good luck, placing them on the battlefield behind the army. Belief in the protective function of this sign determined the modern choice. Perhaps that is why, even in difficult times, they did not officially abandon the banner and create a new version of the state flag.