What does the arms of Japan mean?

Like any other country, Japan has state symbols, deeply filled with meaning. Studying it, you can learn about the history of the country a lot.

The coat of arms of Japan: history

The main symbol of the country is kikukamons - the coat of arms in the form of a flower of chrysanthemum. Such a symbol is deeply rooted in the past of the country. During the reign of Emperor Gotobes - from 1183 to 1198 - the image of the plant first appeared in the state symbols, namely on the seals of the ruler. Other representatives of the Kamakura dynasty supported the tradition, and over time the flower became sacred. Officially, the coat of arms of Japan in the form of a sixteen-petalled chrysanthemum was adopted in 1869 by order of the Meiji government. In 1871, a decree appeared that enshrined the emperor's right to use it, forbidding the use of the symbol to persons from other families. During the Second World War, the arms of Japan became a sign of a great empire. It was located on the nose of warships.

The value of the symbol

Chrysanthemum was brought into the country from China. In Japan, she became the embodiment of wisdom and happiness. Ancient, this flower seemed a small incarnation of the sun. According to the legend, he even became the reason for the emergence of the country. The cruel Chinese emperor sent three hundred young men and girls to search for the flower, since, according to the belief, only a person with good intentions can break it. His messengers were in Japan and were so fascinated by the island that they did not return to the sinner ruler. It is not surprising that this flower was placed on the arms of the country: it is really special for every local resident.

Symbolism in modern life

After World War II, the emblem of Japan was allowed to be used not only by representatives of the imperial family. The Order of Chrysanthemum became the main state award. Now in the country everywhere you can see the arms of Japan: photographs, drawings, images of it - at all institutions. Abroad, embassies and consulates are also marked by such symbolism. In addition, the sixteen-petalled chrysanthemum is depicted on the cover of a foreign passport of every Japanese.

Flag of Japan

It is worth studying not only the emblem, but also another emblem. Especially since his story has been going on for more than a thousand years. According to the rules previously held by Japan, the coat of arms and the flag are emblem of the emperor, and for a long time only he could demonstrate them. The beginning of public use of official symbols was due to the country's entry into the world community, it was necessary to comply with the new order. Before that, the state was isolated. In 1870, after understanding the need for contacts with other countries, a decree was issued, according to which the flag called "Hinomaru", the most familiar white cloth with a red circle symbolizing the sun, was to be present on every ship. After World War II, there was discontent with this symbol for a while in the society - associations with a militaristic country were too strong. But the processes of economic and social development turned out to be so turbulent that soon the issues in themselves came to naught. In 1999, "Hinomaru" recognized officially and legally approved the day dedicated to the flag - August 13.

With the emergence of the cloth associated with the following legend. The emperor Jimma won the difficult battle because behind him was the sun. Since then, fans with the red symbol of the luminaries have been used for good luck, placing on the battlefield for the army. Belief in the protective function of this sign was determined by modern choice. Perhaps, that is why even in hard times from the cloth they did not officially refuse and create a new version of the national flag.