Yamato nadeshiko
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Yamato Nadeshiko (大和撫子) is a Japanese term meaning "personification of an idealized Japanese woman", "ideal" in the historical context of the patriarchal, traditional culture of Japan. This floral metaphor, combining Yamato, an ancient name for Japan and nadeshiko "Dianthus superbus, Large Pink", or frilled pink carnation, literally translated as "Japanese Dianthus".
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Kenkyūsha's New Japanese-English Dictionary (5th edition, 2003) translates Yamato-nadeshiko: "a 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 take 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, perceived as increasingly rare.[1]
[edit] See also
- Yamato-damashii
- Girl next door
- Cult of Domesticity
- Good Wife, Wise Mother
- Molly Mormon
- The Wallflower (manga)
- Japan women's national football team
[edit] References
- ^ Yomouri Web:[1] (Japanese)
[edit] External links and References
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