Friday, July 15, 2011

Nadeshiko-Japan derived from Yamato-nadeshiko

(posted in etymology page)

Yamatonadeshiko  
I thought I should know the definition of this word as a Japanese.


Japanese woman (with all the traditional graces); an ideal Japanese woman." Daijirin (3rd ed., 2006) defines it: "1 ナデシコの別名。2 日本女性の清楚な美しさをほめていう語。", "1. another name for Dianthus superbus. 2. A figure of speech for the beauty of Japanese women who are neat and tidy."
Also known as an ideal Japanese woman per Confucianism, it revolves around acting for the benefit of the family and following instructions or acting in the best interest of patriarchal authority figures. Virtues include loyalty, domestic ability, wisdom, and humility.
During World War II, the idea of Yamato Nadeshiko was influenced by war-time propaganda. A Yamato Nadeshiko should be able to endure all the pain and poverty of life for her husband (a soldier) and the country, and should always be ready to fight with naginata or tae yari and to be ready to die at any time, for her country or to keep her chastity, in a similar way to bushido.[citation needed] However, as opposed to being a particularly feminine characteristic, gyokusai, or to give up life for the war, was a duty expected from all who wished themselves to be considered a Japanese citizen.
Today, in most cases, the term "Yamato nadeshiko" is used in the context of nostalgia, referring to Japanese women with "good old" traits, as they are increasingly rare.  

8 comments:

  1. Orchid, I am so upset. I no longer get your new posts in my blog list on Blogger. I was wondering why you hadn't posted. The last one I saw was 4th of July. I only saw this because I went outside of Blogger and typed in your blog name!!! I don't know what to do about it. xo

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  2. Orchid - as you can see, Barbara F has said the same thing as I have just said in another post of yours. I was really worried because I hadn't heard from you for a few days. I did the same as Barbara F and typed in your blog name myself. Referring to your post, I am sure that you are an ideal Japanese woman my friend!! I think I will unfollow you and then follow you right away again. Hopefully that will put matters right.

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  3. What a fun blog you have, better than opening a fortune cookie ~ loved visiting!
    ♥Sharon

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  4. My sweet friend, I guess we are all having this issue with your beautiful blog not showing up in our dashboards. I was starting to worry about you and am so happy to find you are okay.

    I tried to "re-follow" you today and it did not work. I still do not get your updates. I have this problem in another blog I follow. It has acted this way with hers from the beginning and I have to remember her posts don't show so I link directly to her name each time I do my visits. I will be sure to do this with yours as well. Hopefully this will be corrected soon, my dear. Hang in there, sweet Orchid!

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  5. Orchid, always a pleasure to visit your beautiful blog. I seem to be the only one not having a problem, lucky me. Have a great weekend.
    Hugs...Lu

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  6. Dear Orchid,
    I was very interested to learn the meaning of this Japanese phrase. In English literature, there is an archetype called "the angel in the house" which sounds very much like Nadeshiko. Some characters in our stories are like the angel in the house...have you ever read the English classic fairy tale Cinderella? She was like that...always sacrificing and having perfect behavior. Little girls want to grow up to be like her. But in reality, the angel has a dark side too. I hope you are having a beautiful week. Blessings always, Jenny

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  7. Orchid, I was wondering why I hadn't seen a new post from you and realize now that I'm not the only one who has been missing your posts. I have your button on my blog page and will use it to check for updates because I do not want to miss any more of your posts. Lovely post and beautiful photo.

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  8. Dearest Orchid,

    Okay, I learned a lot from your post here and I got a valuable explanation from the other bloggers who commented here before me. THAT'S why I did not find any of your blogs on the side bar... Thinking you did not post any! So glad I can catch up today and that it did show up again!!!
    Lots of love,

    Mariette

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