Background It took about 1000 years for Japan to be unified
into one country. In the 2nd century AD, there were about 100
tribes in Japan, and it was not until about the 4th century, in
Kansai Place, some large tribes eventually annexed other tribes and
formed the unified country. Many well-known traditions such as
kimonos, bushido, suno and cherry blossoms are carried to
today
Ancient Japan Social Structure Japan borrowed the idea of
centralized power from ancient China and the emperor had omnipotent
power. But the samurai, a class of warriors, and shogun, a
commander also had strong influence in the feudal Japan. Below them
were the ordinary people who were at the bottom of the
society.
Housing There were different kinds of houses developed for
common peopleto live. One typical house was built in gassho style
in Shirakawa-go. Some farmer houses also had space to keep cattle
and horses indoor. Japanese rooms and houses are very different
from Western ones,. While you probably dine sitting on a chair at
the dining room table, in Japan people sit on the floor.
Food The first people who settled in Japan came from Central
Asia around 250 BC, bringing with them the art of growing rice in
paddy fields. From that time right up to the present, rice has been
the basis of the Japanese diet. In heian times (AD 800-1200), as we
learn from the Tale of Genji, the aristocrats ate polished white
rice while poorer people made do with brown. They ate a lot of
fish, which they boiled, baked or pickled. They did not eat raw
fish, however, which is popular today.
Food Japanese food has distinctive features. It looks good, and
tastes delicious. The two main foods are Sushi and noodles. Sushi
is one of Japans most popular dishes. Most types of sushi consist
of small mound of vinegary rice with a piece of raw fish on top and
a dab of Japanese horseradish in between. The Japanese drink is
also good, If you visit a Japanese home , you will be given pale
green tea in a small cup without a handle. Green tea is made from
the dried leaves of the tea plant, which is originally from
China.
Family LifeFemale- a man can control the hole family, and he
needs to geta job and making the money to live. Male- a woman can
just stay at home, do all the housework, and take care about their
kids Child- they would study some skill for their over coming, and
the girl would study some house works, like how to sew, cook, and
wash.
Marriage Muko-iri was a popular marriage system in Japan during
the age of aristocracy. The bridegroom visited his bride at her
home. After the birth of a child or the mans parents were lost, the
bride would then be accepted into the mans home. In the period of
Bushi warriors, about the 14th century, Yome-in, the woman was
married into the mans house, became popular.
Childhood In Ancient Japan, children had a very simple life .
They usually helped their parents in farming. Girls might be taught
by their parents about how to be good wives. Some boys might have
the chance to have good education, and they then might have a good
life.
Education Japanese children are taught a reverence for learning
and are trained in the traditional arts both within the school
system and outside. Instruction in music, calligraphy, flower
arrangement, and the tea ritual may begin at home, but soon the
child studies with a skilled practitioner. Only the martial arts,
such as judo or Japanese fencing ( kendo ), are generally limited
to men. Such early introduction to, and widespread participation
in, different expressions of Japanese heritage lead to support for
traditional cultural values and the appreciation throughout society
of artistic qualities.
Religion The most popular religions in Japan are Shinto and
Buddhism. Many Japanese follow both religions. Babies and marriages
are blessed at Shinto shrines and funerals are held in Buddhist
temples.
Clothing The mainl clothing of ancient Japan is wafuku, and now
it is a feature of Japan. It is a little bit like ancient Chinese
clothing, but not at all. It has its own style, and when we see the
wafuku, we will connect it with cherry blossom. It has two kind,
girls and boys.
Wafuku Girls wafuku has a lot of patterns, which are really
nice, and more complex than boys. Boys wafuku is then plain, and
less complicated .
Art andMmusic In the past, paintings documented everyday life
and the passing seasons. A single scroll depicting flowers, birds,
or other seasonal topics was kept in the main room of the house and
changed several times a year. Many people still observe this
custom..
Art and MusicThe Ancient Japanese Music was most probably
involved in two areas ofJapanese tradition; Ritual/spiritual and
Elite entertainment. Early Japanesemusic was heavily influenced by
Chinese music, and then began to take ona unique shape of its own.
In the Nara period (beginning in 710) we beginto see not only folk
and working music from the countryside, but JapaneseCourt Music
(known as Gagaku) and Buddhist music began to spread.
Conclusion I really enjoy doing this project as I learned a lot
about ancient Japan. Japan has a long and interesting history. I
love wafuku, Japanese food, the nice cherry and the traditional
house. I really want to go to Japan for a trip!
Information
Bibliographyhttp://www.japaneselifestyle.com.au/culture/marriage_history.htmlhttp://countrystudies.us/japan/76.htmhttp://web-japan.org/kidsweb/virtual/house/house02.htmlBooks:
Discovering JapanJapan Country FileCountries of the World
JapanJapanese Food and Drink
