The Japanese believed that fire has sacred power.
They thought that it symbolizes the energetic, forceful, moving things in the world.
Due to this belief, various fire festivals were born out of a desire for purification by fire, reinforcement of spiritual power by fire and so on.
They supposed that the festivals brought the honor of the tutelary Dosojin deities.
In Korean history, fire symbolizes the dynasty’s civility and its moralistic principles in governing the country.
An example of this is Gwanghwamun. It is placed in the Southern side of Kyungbok palace, which is the direction representing fire, and there is Haetae placed in front, which is an imaginary animal said to live in fire.
It means the king’s great virtue illuminates the entire country.
Fire generally represents the element of summer, heat, and enthusiasm in China.
It also represents the highest point of growth and warmth in relationships between humans.
Plus, upward fire symbolizes dynamic, passion and energy.
The reason why fire is considered an important figure in China is its belief in the Zodiac signs.
Zodiac signs consist of 2 animals. Chinese believe Zodiac signs can tell fortune and they believe fire is guarding those animals.
In Korean culture the fire symbolizes two main things, vital force, destructive power and connection.
The symbolization of vital force originated from the blaze of fire and the symbolization of destructive power originated from defeating evil forces.
Also, the symbolization of connection originated from the tradition, chesa.
During chesa, people burn incense known as “hyang” to communicate heaven and earth, the earth and the earth, the living and the dead.
The symbolic meaning of fire is shown in traditional games.
For example, between villages there was a torch fight which was an event to drive away evil spirits with fire and pray for New Year's farming and good luck.
For most of Japan’s 15 centuries-long cultural history, blood was a cursed and dangerous substance.
Prior to the 17 centuries, blood was associated with death and symbolic pollution.
Mixed with fluids accompanying childbirth, blood was classified in Shinto and Buddhism as a “ritually dirty” substance that was especially harmful to males(Nishida 1995).
Women's menstrual blood is a taboo in Shinto, thought to be influenced by the popularity of the Buddhist Blood Pond Sutra (血盆経, Ketsubonkyô).
In Korean history, the blood symbolizes creativity, immortality, and hope since the color red symbolizes sun, fire, production, creation, passion, and love;
Related to that, that is also another reason why the Koreans assume that “Hyo” is the most important value, especially during the Joseon period.
The phrase “ the blood is stronger than water” represents how much Koreans have been into family-blood relationships since Korean history.
Blood represents vigor, strength, and ancestry with its vivid color and life-giving quality.
It has a tremendous impact on our perception of identity and the human experience, affecting rituals and beliefs across the globe from antiquated customs to contemporary behaviors.
It also functions as a powerful metaphor in literature and art.
Blood is considered an essential fluid of the body that has the power to give life.
Blood was considered a nonrenewable source of life. Loss of blood is equivalent to loss of vigor.
As a result of China’s strong family values that asserts that children are deferential to parents—especially the father—giving away blood was culturally forbidden.
In Chinese culture, the snake is thought to be a symbol of good luck.
The ancient Chinese also believed that it would promote a good harvest for them.
In some Han dynasty art, snakes are depicted as being in close contact with various gods.
They regarded snakes as sacred beings related to their various gods.
Among the animals, the sixth zodiac animal, the snake is a symbol of immortality and regeneration.
It is also the guardian deity of the southeast. However, in reality, snakes are regarded as dangerous and disgusting animals.
People avoid snakes but also believe them as strange and magical creatures which transform into dragons in a hundred years.
People also create numerous stories about snakes and the snake in stories has multiple faces standing in for man
In ancient China, people believed the snake as a god and praised the snake because of its mysteriousness.
Also, the snake was often called the “Little Dragon '' at that time period.
The shed skin of the snake was even called “Dragon skin.”
In Korean culture the snake symbolizes immortality, patience.
The symbolization of immortality came from two concepts, the zodiac and shedding.
The snake is the 6th animal of the zodiac.
Besides, the snake sheds its slough every period of time which symbolizes rebirth.
The symbolization of patience originated from the Korean legend of a snake turning into a dragon.
The snake turns into a huge serpent and patiently waits a thousand years underwater in order to be a dragon.
They symbolize vitality, social status and good luck.
Around the world, the round, red lantern remains one of the most easily recognized trademarks of Chinese culture.
So, usually during Chinese festivals, people usually play with a red lantern with the candle inside which symbolizes a prosperous business and a prosperous life.
Chinese Lanterns, Symbols of Joy and Good Fortune - Visit Beijing
The light in Japanese history symbolizes the positive value of life such as cleanliness.
It is related to Japanese candle making history. As they make candles, the fire makes the house brighter. So that became a metaphor for the phrase “ bright family”.
Also, the lanterns were introduced in Japan through China during the Han dynasty period.
It became a symbol of good luck and happiness.
During the Obon festival, the families hung the lanterns up to the front door so that their ancestor’s spirit could find their way home.
In Korea, light represents light, hope, and unity. Lanterns are generally used to represent this symbolism.
In some cities of the country, during traditional festivals, colorful lanterns are commonly used.
For instance, “Jinju City Exhibition” exhibits many lanterns that are made of silk.
In the Bible, light is a symbol of holiness, goodness, knowledge, wisdom, grace, hope, and God’s revelation.
Buddhism, in Chinese culture, associates lanterns with light and wisdom.
Lanterns and lamps have been a part of Chinese culture for generations, coming in a variety of designs and materials.
Lanterns are associated with fertility.
Underneath wedding beds are lamps known as children's and grandchildren's lamps.
Beside the bed of a bride and groom, lamps were set up for the entire night.
A lengthy marriage was represented if they went out at the same time.
Additionally, a pregnant woman's bed is decorated with lanterns.
Lanterns are symbolic of celebration in China.
Lanterns have special significance on the Feast of the Lanterns, which is held in the first Chinese month.
They serve as markers for both visitors and the spirits of the deceased.
In Chinese culture books symbolize knowledge and wisdom, embodying the collection of intellectual achievements.
They preserve cultural heritage, transmitting literature, philosophy, and history through generations.
Possession of books historically signified power and authority, empowering scholars and officials to influence governance and society, shaping the course of civilization.
In Korean history, the book symbolizes protection and motivation for change.
When Korea was taken over by Japan, people began to believe that they needed to learn and gain more knowledge to protect the nation.
During this period, publishers started publishing books such as textbooks with information about Western technologies, and history of their own.
These books provided Koreans with a sense of their identity, and they realized the importance of liberation.
In Japanese history, the concept of the "book" holds profound significance, representing knowledge, learning, and the transmission of culture and ideas.
Additionally, it symbolizes the influence of Chinese culture on Japan, as the written word was introduced to Japan through Chinese characters.
This cultural exchange played a crucial role in shaping Japan's intellectual landscape and identity over time.
In Korean culture, books symbolize knowledge and uniformity.
The symbolization of knowledge comes from the book's nature, to contain knowledge.
For example, Dong-uibogam is a series of medical books written by Heo Jun, royal physician of Joseon dynasty.
The symbolization of uniformity originated from the creation of the book.
After the creation of words in order to share the uniformed character, people needed objects to write one to.
When the system was established among the objects, books were created.
A river called Yellow River has nurtured the Chinese people since ancient times and witnessed the development of Chinese civilization.
That's why it is known as the "mother river" in China and a symbol of the country's culture and history.
The Yellow River Basin is the birthplace of Chinese civilization.
The Yellow River: A Symbol of China
In Chinese culture, water commonly symbolized receptivity, pliability, and stillness.
This symbolic meaning was largely influenced by the Daoist thought, a popular school of thought in China.
This is because it represents the yin qualities, which are feminine, passive, and receptive characteristics that can balance the yang attributes such as masculine, aggressive, and hardness.
The Japanese Garden and other gardens worldwide use a river or creek to symbolize life's flow.
The source symbolizes birth and youth, while the waterfall symbolizes life's force.
The river's rapid flow breaches dams, expressing life's tensions.
The river's transformation from wild to gentle signifies youth and adulthood.
In Japanese history, the river symbolizes change, continuity, and purification in Shinto practices.
Rivers symbolize the flow of life, the passage of time, and the ever-changing nature of existence.
They represent purification, renewal, and the washing away of impurities.
Rivers are also seen as pathways for spiritual journeys, guiding souls to the afterlife.
Additionally, they symbolize strength, perseverance, and the ability to overcome obstacles, as they carve their way through landscapes over time.
Rivers are revered in Shintoism as embodiments of kami (deities) and are deeply intertwined with Japanese spirituality and traditions.
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