Abstract

★Why is a kimono always wrapped left over right?
★Why do the demons of Setsubun have ox-like horns and wear tiger-striped pants?

When asked the familiar question, “Why do people eat eel on the Day of the Ox during midsummer?”, many people answer, “To take care of their health during a season when people are prone to illness.” But do you know why people are more likely to fall ill at this time of year?

Even if we observe annual festivals and know traditional folktales, it can be difficult to explain the deeper reasons behind these customs. This book unravels the “why” behind Japanese traditions through the ancient Chinese philosophy of yin-yang and the Five Elements. Using diagrams and illustrations, it explains these concepts in an accessible way, even for beginners.

Our ancestors embraced the philosophy of yin-yang and the Five Elements, which originated in ancient China, and passed down annual festivals and other customs through the generations. Understanding this philosophy is an essential part of cultural literacy for adults and anyone seeking a deeper understanding of Japanese culture.

Author’s Information

Instructor of Yin-Yang and the Five Elements