Essential Japanese Seasonal Decorations - Autumn
Seasonality: Early Autumn/ August
Japanese Name: Furin/ Kingyo/ Kingyo-sukui
English Name: Windbell/ Goldfish/ Goldfish Scooping
Furin (風鈴, wind bell) can be often seen during Japan’s humid summers. Furin were originally a fortune-telling tool in China. The Chinese hung a bell in the bamboo forest and made predictions based on the wind’s direction and its sound. However, since they arrived in Japan through Buddhism, Chinese wind-bells have been used to expel any lurking evil spirits. Japanese people believed that nothing unfortunate would happen to those who lived within earshot of a wind bell. In the 18th century, Dutch glass making techniques were introduced to Nagasaki, one of only four seaports kept open for trade during Japan’s seclusion period. People were instantly attracted to the beauty of glass, which prompted them to learn glass making for themselves. In the 19th century, someone in Edo came up with an idea for glass wind chimes with the glass painting done from the inside in order to protect the colors from fading. It’s believed that the sound of a wind bell tricks the brain into lowering body temperature.
Kingyo (金魚, goldfish) were introduced into Japan via China in the 16th century where they were popular and kept only by the aristocracy and samurai. The Japanese set up breeding programs and eventually developed their unique strains of goldfish to be appreciated from the top view. Thereafter, kingyo-sukui (金魚すくい, goldfish scooping) became popular during the Edo period, leading to the sale of goldfish in towns. Goldfish are a particularly beloved summer feature in Japan that will make you feel “coolness” and “healing” with the way it elegantly swims in water on a hot summer’s day.
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