Japan’s Doll Festival – March 2013

March 3rd, 2013

Japan’s Doll Festival (Hina Matsuri 雛祭) has a very curious history, one largely forgotten in contemporary times. Held on March three every year since the mid-to-late Edo period (1600-1867), it was originally a day for ritual purification known as Jōshi no Sekku 上巳の節句 (literally “Seasonal Festival of the Snake”) when people would rub their bodies with crude human-shaped figurines made of paper, straw, clay or wood. These figurines served as “scapegoats” for exorcising spiritual pollution and bad karma. The word for snake (Jōshi) sounds like the word for girl (Joshi 女子), and the festival eventually became geared towards girls. The first sekku 節句 (seasonal festival) after the birth of a baby girl, it is now a day when charming dolls are set out for display to symbolize the family’s wish that their daughter will be healthy, free from calamity and able to obtain a happy life with a good husband. But it was not always so. Click the image below to read more, or click here.

The doll collection of Keiko (Kamioka) Schumacher

The doll collection of Keiko (Kamioka) Schumacher

Star Worship in Japan – A Special Report

December 3rd, 2012

Japanese Buddhism & the Deification of the Stars

Japan imported China’s Yin-Yang divination and Feng Shui practices in the mid-6th century CE, including astrological lore surrounding star groupings such as the Seven Big Dipper Stars, the Nine Luminaries, the 12 Zodiac Signs, the 28 moon lodges, and the 36 animals. The most receptive camps were Japan’s esoteric Shingon and Tendai schools, which took the lead in introducing star worship to Japan. The integration of celestial bodies into Japanese Buddhism peaked during the mid-and-late Heian period, but star faith never developed into a major branch of Japanese esoteric art — indeed, the number of extant star mandala and star-related masterpieces in Japan is very limited. Star worship is still alive today in Japan, but it is not a major force in modern religious practice. This 35-page report presents a brief history of the 28 moon lodges in China and the group’s later usage in Japanese star worship. This is followed by a lengthy review of the 28, plus a guide to the deification of other important stars and planets, including the Seven Big Dipper Stars, the Nine Luminaries, and the Pole Star (aka Myōken Bosatsu). All together, some 60 deities and over 100 images are presented. Click the image below to get started. Enjoy the tour. Popcorn not included.


Star Worship and Star Deities in Japan
Explores over 60 deities. Features over 100 photos.

In Japan today, many temples and shrines have “commercialized” religious cosmology based on Chinese astrological concepts. In Japan the system is called Yakudoshi 厄年, which translates directly as “bad luck years.” It is based on the concept of Chinichi 直日 — a specific day on which a heavenly body (or bodies) exert an undue influence on earthly affairs. To determine if one’s fortune will be good or bad requires a knowledge of the movement of the celestial bodies, including those of the Big Dipper, the Nine Luminaries (five planets, sun, moon, comets, eclipses), the Twelve Signs of the Zodiac, and the Twenty-Eight Moon Lodges (this page). For Japanese men, the most inauspicious ages are 25, 42, and 61. For women, the ages are 19, 33, and 61. This is an oversimplification, mind you. During these unlucky years (and others), people are urged to visit temples and shrines and pay money for rites that will provide divine protection from baleful celestial influences. For reasons unknown to me, the worst years are 42 for men and 32 for women. Many of Japan’s temples & shrines aggressively market such beliefs to increase revenues.

How to Find a Reputable Replica Richard Mille Dealer

September 19th, 2012

These watches are designed to be as close as possible to the real thing, but they are not as expensive as the originals. However, if you are planning to buy one of these luxury watches, it is important to find a reliable vendor. Many people have been scammed by fake sellers, so it is crucial to read customer reviews and make sure you are not being charged extra fees for shipping or other hidden charges.

If you are looking for a quality replica Richard Mille watch, you should check the seller’s website and contact information before making a purchase. Many reputable dealers have websites that share their contact information and address, as well as a secure payment system. This helps to ensure that your information will not be stolen or compromised. In addition, you should be aware that a real Richard Mille watch will have a unique serial number on the back of the case. This will be a good indication that the watch is genuine.

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A trusted replica seller will be able to provide you with high-quality watches at reasonable prices.

The website should have detailed pictures of each model and a clear description of the materials used. It should also include a list of delivery and handling charges. It is essential to avoid any hidden charges, as they can quickly add up. You should always ask for a shipping quote before buying a watch to make sure you know exactly how much you will be paying.

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You can also check the seller’s social media accounts to see if they have any complaints or negative reviews. If they have a lot of positive feedback, it is likely that their products are authentic and high-quality. Also, check the seller’s return policy to be sure you can get your money back if you are not satisfied with the product.

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A trustworthy replica seller will offer a wide selection of Richard Mille watches. You can even find rare or antique watch editions that are hard to come by elsewhere. Some of these vendors are so popular that they have thousands of happy customers who recommend them to their friends and family.

While some Richard Mille fakes are easy to spot, others can be quite difficult to tell apart from the real thing.

This is especially true as counterfeiters become more sophisticated in their efforts to mimic the look of luxury watches. However, you can still rely on your gut instinct to avoid being duped.

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A fake Richard Mille watch will have a different design and material than a real one, and the difference in price can be considerable. The most important factor is to look for a watch that has a clean, well-organized appearance. Also, check the weight of the watch and be wary of unusual shapes or colors. In addition, check for a logo that is consistent with the brand’s identity.