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Orion the Hunter
The entire Orion Nebula in visible light. Credit: NASA/ESA. NASA, ESA, (Space Telescope Science Institute/ESA) and the Hubble Space Telescope Orion Treasury Project Team.
Ancient Japan - Astronomy and Folklore
In almost every culture, Orion is recognized and grabs the attention of children and adults throughout the long winter nights. The stars of the constellation, especially the belt stars or Mitsu Boshi, have played a unique role in Japan's cultural heritage.
Over the centuries, a number of objects which represent aspects of Japanese culture have been seen in the stars of Orion. Most children learn the term tsuzumi boshi to visualize the constellation. Tsuzumi is a Japanese drum. It has heads on both ends and is beaten with the fingertips.
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 in the middle.
Some Japanese call the trapezoidal figure Sode Boshi (kimono sleeve stars, Nojiri, 1973; Uchida, 1973).
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Genji and Heike
Orion's Betelgeuse and Rigel have special significance in many prefectures of Japan. Rigel is sometimes called Genji Boshi, and Betelgeuse is called Heike Boshi. These names refer to a period in Japanese history and are related to the apparent colours of the two stars, white and red.
The legendary war took place between the Taira (Heike) and Minamoto (Genji) families. The colours of Taira were red, and the colours of the Minamoto family were white. Ultimately the Minamoto (Rigel) family won the war and moved the capital to Kamakura, starting an era of Samurai warriors and leading to centuries of turmoil. This war gave rise to famous stories and legends that later became part of Nou drama and Kabuki plays.
Due to the extraordinary bravery and loyalty of both sides of this conflict, the colours of red and white came to have special significance in Japan, most notable in the colours of the Japanese flag itself. Symbolizing duty, sacrifice, and loyalty, Rigel and Betelgeuse still are seen as reminders of these basic Japanese values. Thus, it may be quite appropriate that the stars of Betelgeuse and Rigel shine as emblems for the heritage of Heike and Genji.
posted by Message from Japan on Monday, June 25, 2007
