The Impact of a Culture's Mythology: Japan

Introduction

Stars that played a significant role in the lives of common citizens in Japan were often given the distinction of being called Yowatashi Boshi or passing the night stars. This phrase was applied to prominent star groups which would appear in the East at sunset and set with the dawning sun. Orion is certainly one of the most noticeable Yowatashi Boshi in the sky.

In most every culture, it is easily recognized and continues to grab the attention of children and adults throughout the long winter nights. The grouping of stars that form the constellation, most especially the three belt stars or Mitsu Boshi have played a major role in Japan's cultural heritage with the sky.

Mythology

Icons of Japanese Culture

Over the centuries, a number of objects which represent aspects of Japanese culture have been seen in the stars of Orion. Origins of the objects themselves as well as how they came to be represented in the sky are unclear, but each has characteristics that make it unique as a celestial Japanese cultural icon. Following accepted IAU areas and nomenclature, Modern Star Atlases published in Japan use the Katakana form of "Orion"; however, most children learn the term tsuzumi boshi to visualize the constellation.

As a standard instrument of both Nou and Kabuki drama, tsuzumi is a Japanese drum. It has heads on both ends and is beaten with the fingertips. Many drums of this type are thought to have been introduced into Japan prior to the Nara period (710-794). Especially as they are used in court music, tsuzumi still retain much of their original form. Strings are used to tie the heads from end to end, and the pattern gives the drum a somewhat hourglass appearance.

The stars Betelgeuse and Gamma Ori form one end of the drum while the stars Rigel and Kappa Ori form the other. The three belt stars represent the cord that is used to tie the strings snugly in the middle.

The trapezoidal form of the stars forming the drum's outer edges are sometimes called Waki Boshi and have given rise to another object with rhythmical associations. The striking together of two wooden blocks (Hyoushigi) is a part of many traditional Japanese religious ceremonies as well as entertainment. Probably of native rather than continental origin, the simple sound of the striking of these blocks against one another has added drama to Nou and Kabuki plays as well as signaled the beginning and end of religious ceremonies and even sporting events such as Sumo.

Such sound, in all its uses, is said to summon and gain the attention of protective deities. Japanese have found the "drama" of this simple instrument and its "sound" in Orion as Kanatsuki no Ryowaki Boshi (literally striking both sides stars; Uchida, 1973).

One figure seen in this configuration reflects a somewhat more delicate aesthetic than may be found in the more Western vision of a "mighty hunter". When these stars are near the zenith, some ...