Here is an example of a St. Nicholas profile of a foreign culture. Japan had not long been "open" to the world at this time and was slowly becoming a world power. The Victorians were quite fond of "Chinoserie" and Japanese ornament, and this story illustrates curiousity about an Asian culture. Notice that boys' life is more profiled, as the girls were able to do little more than play with dolls."A joyous heart is always pure," say the Japanese, and they encourage and take part in the amusements of their little ones with a zest that shows their belief. The Japanese are naturally a gentle and childlike race, fond of gaiety, while brave and chivalrous in action and earnest in study. The boys and girls while at play romp, laugh, and shout, and have a "royal good time," but travelers say they do not see among them quarrels nor angry words and gestures. Score this to the credit of our dark-eyed little cousins in the land of the "sun's source."
They have the advantage of being loosely and warmly dressed, and of being out a great deal in the open air. In their homes there is but little furniture to tumble over, and there are few useless ornaments which they are told "not to touch."
The climate, of course, varies in different parts; even in the mid-country the cold is intense in winter, and the heat intense in summer, yet both cold and heat are somewhat lessened by the surrounding ocean. To strangers it seems odd to see orange-trees bright with golden fruit, and at the same time icicles glittering in the morning sun, but this is one of the strange sights presented to the view.
In their dwellings shelter from the rain, shade from the sun, and free circulation of air are mainly sought by the Japanese, who, as a rule. seem to be able to endure much cold. Even on winter days their houses are seen entirely open to the morning sun, and in this respect they set a good example to their Western brethren. Then, too, these houses must be such as will not be readily shaken to the ground in an earthquake, for Japan is a land of earthquakes.
For security against this danger, the house is put together in a very simple way. All parts of the structure are held together, one author says, by a system of "dovetailing," neither nails nor screws being used in their production, except for ornament. It is not made fast to the ground, but stands upon wooden legs or columns, which are merely placed upon stones high enough to keep the ends out of water. Then, when an earthquake occurs, the building moves to and fro, and settles down again after the vibration has ceased. It is believed that most of the damage from earthquakes in Japanese cities has occurred with houses having tiled roofs, as the tiles are easily shaken loose, and, being heavy, cause destruction in their fall. Buildings with roofs of wood or thatch generally escape damage.
It is thought that the use of tiled roofs arose from the dread of fire. Although many roofs are made of stone tiles, the majority are of wood, bamboo, or thatch. Thatch is much used in the poorer villages; but even temples, as well as dwellings, have been known to be thatched. On the ridge of this thatched roof the iris is frequently planted; and when in bloom, its dark velvety-purple blossoms and light green leaves give the house a picturesque appearance. Seen from a distance, the village looks as if there were little gardens on the tops of the houses.
The old castles which were the homes of the daimio princes were built of stone; but these, too, were constructed so as to offer as little resistance as possible to earthquake shocks. The walls slant from the base to the roof, and are supported within by immense timbers, the inward slope itself being a safeguard against danger from earthquakes. Buildings erected according to the Japanese idea of what is necessary to give security against earthquakes have stood for centuries. Some wooden pagodas of great height are known to have been in existence for seven hundred years; and the old wooden museum at Nara, in which are preserved the Mikado's rare treasures of ages, is fully twelve hundred years old. This is a large, oblong building made of logs of keaki (kee-ah- kee), a reddish-brown wood, put together in the log-cabin style, and it is supported merely on wooden legs resting upon loose stones, as in the case of the ordinary house described above. No part of the building has been renewed except the roof, and this has been put on only three times. The present roof is made of tiles, and is about one hundred and fifty years old. This is, in all probability, the oldest wooden building in the world, and it is certainly a notable example of the almost imperishable nature of some Japanese woods.
Most dwellings are but one story high. When the roof and framework are made, it remains to arrange for the outside walls and the partitions of the rooms. Most foreigners regard the outside walls as huge windows, for they are merely light wooden latticework frames covered with a stiff, semi-transparent paper. These frames slide in grooves, so that they can be taken out at pleasure, leaving the whole house open to the cool breezes. At night they are covered with amado, or wooden shutters, which also slide in grooves along the edge of the veranda or a projection of the floor, and so shut in the house. In the daytime the shutters are pushed back so as to form ornamental sidepieces. This kind of wall and window in one is another of the needs of building in an earthquake land, where the use of glass would be dangerous and costly.
The rooms are made by means of sliding partitions of woven bamboo, or else of paper- covered latticework similar to the outside walls, fitted into grooves in the ceiling. The ceiling and all the frames for outside and inside walls are of unpainted wood, and all parts of the house are generally kept perfectly clean.
In the principal room of every Japanese house built by rule there is a slightly raised platform sometimes so arranged that it can be entirely inclosed. This dais is the " sacred niche" where the Mikado would sit should he ever enter the house. It is still the rule there that the subject must not look down upon the Mikado. In the days, not very long past, when it was unlawful even to look upon his face, he would have sat entirely shut off from view, and his food would have been served through a side opening so placed as to prevent a sight of his sacred countenance. The royal inclosure is looked upon as an altar. With it the whole house must be in keeping, and it is here that some grouping of flowers or leaves, some beautiful work of art, is always to be seen. The spot is itself a sample of excellent work, and here the little children learn from infancy to revere and love the beautiful and the good in nature and in art.
The love of the beautiful seems, indeed, to be inborn in the Japanese race. Pictures on the wall are changed every month, according to the season of the year. Clusters of favorite flowers are gracefully disposed around the house in huge pots or vases, and are a source of pleasure to young and old. In the open space at the rear of the house, no matter how small, a garden is made in which a tiny landscape is skilfully planned.
It is one of the national customs to go out on excursions, in parties of two or three families, to view the flowering trees and plants in their season. The Japanese love all flowers, but prefer those to which they look up — the flowers of trees. They visit the plum blossoms in February or early March; the cherry, especially beloved, in April; the lotus in July; azaleas during the summer; chrysanthemums in the autumn; and camellias in December. In the pleasure-grounds connected with every temple there are always magnificent collections of flowers. An expedition especially to see the flowers is called a hanami, or flower view. The bank of the Sumida River, which crosses the city of Tokio, is covered with cherry-trees. These give a pleasant shade, and the spot is a favorite promenade for the citizens all the year round, but in time of "cherry bloom" the crowds that throng the avenue are larger than ever. It is crowded on moonlight nights, and also when the snow lies freshly fallen.
Being fully alive to the beauty of their country, wherever there is a point from which a picturesque view may be obtained the Japanese will build a pavilion, or a tea-house, or some simple place of repose, from which the eyes may feast on the lovely landscape. In the family picnics or excursions, which are frequent, some place of beautiful situation from which there is a good view either of land or sea is always selected.
These expeditions are not discontinued even when the cold of winter comes. Snow scenes are greatly enjoyed, and when the freshly fallen snow is lying on the ground numerous parties are seen at points commanding a fine view. The children are never excluded, but accompany their elders on all such occasions.
For pets the children have a kind of tiny rabbits and a queer breed of cats. The cats have white fur with black and yellow spots, and do not have tails. Tiny dogs also are sometimes seen. In the houses of families in moderate circumstances there is usually an aquarium well stocked with beautiful and curious varieties offish, gold, silver, and crimson, some as round as a ball, some with spreading fins as fine as gauze. Another pet is the large katydid, whose piercing note is very much enjoyed by the children. The katydids are very numerous in certain places in the summer. As a residence for these treasures they have bamboo cages, built like tiny houses, in which they daily arrange beds of fresh flowers or leaves for the minstrels. Gaily colored butterflies are sometimes kept in the same kind of cage upon beds of flowers. Butterflies have been seen to alight voluntarily on children's hands; and in Japan, birds, too, show that they are not afraid of man or child.
Mothers and nursemaids carry the babies fastened upon their backs. This is a secure place for baby, and the small burden is carried there with less fatigue than in the arms; the mode has the further advantage of leaving the arms free. In the new civilization which Japan has chosen and is still acquiring, children have been benefited in many ways. But whatever benefits they reap for themselves and their children from foreign lands, teachers, and inventions, Japan's people cling with heart and soul to their own home, the "Land of the Rising Sun."
It is the custom in Japan, when a boy has been born in any household, to hoist on a bamboo pole in front of the house an immense paper fish representing a carp. The carp is displayed in the month of May succeeding the boy's birthday.
The carp is chosen, it is said, because it is venturesome and strong, can leap over waterfalls, and is said to be an emblem of good luck. The image is hollow, and being painted in natural colors, when the wind puffs out the sides it looks very much like the real carp swimming in the water.
When the baby is thirty days old, his presentation in the temple takes place, and there he receives his first name, selected thus: the father gives the bosan, or priest, a note containing three names; the priest copies the names on three slips of paper, and, praying in a loud voice, throws them into the air; the name on the slip that first touches the floor is the one supposed to be chosen by the divinity of the temple. This way of naming the child is usual among those who keep the ancient religion, which most of the Japanese of course do. Presents are given to the priest, and the child's name is entered on the books. It is written also on holy paper, which is given to the parents as a name-charm for the child. Then follows a family festival at home, to which relatives and friends are invited, and at which many presents including money are given to Master Baby.
When he is three years old, he begins to wear the obi, a girdle, three inches wide, which confines the kimono, a loose sort of garment, and the main part of the Japanese national dress for both children and grown people. The putting on of the obi is the occasion of another family feast; and a very important garment it is, for it corresponds to pockets in an American boy's first trousers. The front part of the kimono, above the obi, is also used as a pocket; and the long, wide sleeves, sewed up at the lower end, make two very big ones.
When fifteen years old, the boy becomes of age, and a third family festival occurs. Another name is given him, and his hair is allowed to grow all over the head like a man's. Previous to this time the head is shaved so as to allow the hair to grow only in spots or tufts, the place of the tufts varying up to the age of ten, when the crown only is shaved. At this festival celebrating his majority the manner of friends and relatives changes toward him, and while the day before he was still addressed as a child, now he is addressed in the ceremonious forms required by Japanese etiquette. The title of respect, san, is henceforth affixed to his name, even by those nearest and dearest. These titles, san, sama, always follow the name, and are never prefixed as with our "Mr." For example, a boy whose name is Kiyoshi will be called Kiyoshi-san. In his responses to the kind speeches made to him, the boy shows that he understands the new honors that have come upon him, and that he is now ready to apply himself to the serious business of life.
It used to be a great thing to be born a samurai (sah-moo-ri) boy baby in Japan. The samurai were soldiers and scholars, and were entirely apart from and above the ordinary people. They could not engage in any business, nor could they marry into another class. This has all been changed since the Japanese revolution of 1867-68. The people are now divided into two large classes,— the heimin (ha-meen),or commoners, the shizoku (shee-zo-koo),or gentry, — and all have equal rights under the law. The average boy's success in life depends upon his own abilities, and the use he makes of the teaching he may have.
The first thing the samurai baby needed after he was put in his nurse's arms was a sword. Rather a queer thing for a baby to have, but then this baby was a samurai! No matter if the tiny hand could not grasp the handle, his nurse carried it for him; and when the obi became a part of his dress, the sword was fastened to it, and hung by his side. To be sure, it was a wooden sword, but what of that? It was the badge of his rank, and must go wherever he did all day long, and when he went to bed it was laid close by. "The sword is the soul of the samurai" is an old Japanese saying, and it was thus early fastened to his side that he might become used to grasping it from infancy.
When our young samurai reached the age of seven, it was a day of great rejoicing. At the family festival two real metal swords were fastened to the obi, one on each side. The edges, however, were blunt, and accidents were further guarded against by having the swords so fastened in their sheaths that the young swordsman could not draw them out. These were now his constant companions until, at the age of fifteen, the weapons handed down in his family took their place.
The toy-shops are exceedingly numerous in all parts of Japan. Even the smallest hamlets contain them, and the boys and girls are plentifully supplied with playthings from early infancy. Large numbers of people make a living in the business of amusing children, and among these are street jugglers, acrobats, singers, dancers, and story-tellers, and traveling puppet-showmen.
On festival days the streets leading to the temples are filled with stands showing the gay toys, and with showmen ready to amuse both young and old.
The indoor sports and amusements for evenings at home are mainly card games and storytelling. The father tells his sons the tales of the mighty heroes of past ages, relates Japanese history, and teaches reverence and obedience to the Mikado, the "heaven-appointed ruler"; or the grandmother, gathering the little ones in a circle around the brazier filled with hot coals, tells them the wonderful fox-stories, the stories of demons and gnomes, and the clever fables about animals.
Their game of goman is like our checkers, but it requires three hundred and sixty pieces instead of twenty-four. It is played on a raised stand. In the game of chess they have forty pieces. There are several ways of playing backgammon, and it is very popular. Private theatricals are a very common form of amusement among both boys and girls, and, like most of their sports, are frequently shared by their elders. As the children are often taken to the theater, they readily imitate what they have seen there.
Among the outdoor sports, one of the most popular is kite-flying, varied in many ways, and very fascinating to all. When their New Year comes, then does the sport of kite-flying give great delight to little boys, big boys, — yes, and to the grown-up boys as well. The kites are made of very tough paper on a frame of bamboo. Various shapes are made — round, oblong, oval, but generally rectangular. Sometimes fantastic shapes, representing birds, beasts, men, or children, are made. On the more ordinary shapes are painted or sketched pictures of various kinds. Pictures of beautiful women, of the heroes of ancient Japanese history, of the many species of dragon, the ideal monster, all serve to make the kites attractive. The humming kite is a favorite one and sometimes the air is filled with the musical sounds made by a swarm of them. These kites are made with a thin piece of bamboo or whale- are general favorites, and the whipping-top also bone stretched across, placed so as to vibrate is known. in the wind. The vibration makes a humming noise somewhat like the sound of an zeolian harp.
In the provinces where snow remains long on the ground, the winter outdoor sports are much the same as in such places in America. Building snow-forts and snow-men, fighting with snowballs, coasting, and sliding on the ice make up the principal sports.
Boys become very skilful in the use of stilts, on which they run races, and even wrestle.
Popguns and blowguns, dear to the hearts of all little noise-makers, are well known to them.
Mimic fights with tops are common. Two players wind and throw their tops so that they will come into collision, and he whose top is damaged or stopped from spinning is the loser. The tops for these fights are made of very hard wood, and are iron-clad with a heavy metal ring. Some of the more ordinary spinning-tops are of light make. A singular kind of top is made of a one-valve shell filled with wax. Musical tops, made to produce notes in different keys, are general favorites, and the whipping-top also is known.
A flag game was very much played by boys at school, or in towns and districts, until it was forbidden by the government on account of its injurious effects upon many boys. It was a mock fight, and was called the "Genji and Heiki," from the same two celebrated rival families before mentioned. The boys divided themselves into two parties, one side with white flags, the other with red. The white flags belonged to the Genji, the red to the Heiki. At the tap of a drum, the two sides marched toward each other, each party endeavoring to capture the enemy's flags, and the side which captured the most flags won the victory. Sometimes the fight was changed in this way: the flags were put upon the backs of the boys, and each wore fastened on his head a round, flat piece of earthenware, and carried in his hand a bamboo stick for a sword. When the number engaged in the game was large, the boys were arranged in squadrons; and then, as before, at the beat of the drum the two sides advanced toward each other, the object now being to break, with the bamboo sword, the round disk on the head of the enemy. When a disk was broken, the wearer had to retire from the field, and the side having the most disks broken lost the battle.
In a nation whose chief glory in the past was in its warrior class, it is natural that flags should play a chief part in the sports and displays of the children. The Flag Festival, which is celebrated on the fifth day of the fifth month, is the great day of the year for boys. All the toys displayed in the shops for some time previous are especially for them. Flags and banners, toy weapons of all kinds, with images of horse-soldiers, foot-soldiers, generals, and the national heroes, are widely sold. Among the samurai families it was the custom to buy a complete set of these toys for each son born, and on this feast-day these sets are brought out and displayed with great magnificence in the chief room of the house. In the streets bamboo poles are planted at intervals, with a ball of gilded paper on top, and from each long paper streamers of every color float. Many of the banners are adorned with family names and coats of arms, some with national mottos, and others with pictures of heroes. Before most houses is seen the pole bearing the carp of straw or paper, to show either that a boy has been born during the year, or that there are boys in the family. Boys in festival dress go up and down the streets, some wearing two little swords in the obi, some carrying small banners, and others bearing large wooden swords tied with gay ribbons on their shoulders. It is a beautiful and inspiring sight, and it is a day to make the young masculine heart beat high with pride and joy.
The game of football was played in the Emperor's palace grounds until foreigners entered into Japan; but since then it has become quite general, and much the fashion. Leap-frog, jumping, wrestling, running races, are among the athletic sports; but Japanese boys do not show as much endurance in these exercises as American and English boys show. Thirty minutes at football will fatigue the average boy; but for all that, he has great perseverance.
The ever-present bamboo pole proves to be a useful aid in many sports. The boys turn somersaults on them, and sometimes even the very little fellows become skilful in walking on them.
At the festival of the New Year all children, both boys and girls, play games in the middle of the street. This is the greatest festival of the year, but is not exclusively for children, though the masking and comical disguises common on this day are for the purpose of amusing them, and the first places among the spectators around sports and exhibitions is kept for them.
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