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Introduction
Yamato, the ancient name of Japan, has been associated with the Japanese people since the earliest recorded history. It is a word of great significance and meaning, and it is often referred to as “the son of Japan”. But why is Yamato called “son”? This article will explore the various theories and explanations behind the name Yamato and why it is referred to as “son”.
The Mythological Explanation
The first and most popular explanation for why Yamato is called “son” is rooted in Japanese mythology. According to the Kojiki, an ancient collection of Japanese myths and legends, Yamato was the son of the sun goddess Amaterasu and the storm god Susanoo. Amaterasu and Susanoo were the two most powerful gods in the Shinto pantheon, and their son Yamato was said to be the ancestor of the Japanese imperial family. This mythological explanation for why Yamato is called “son” is still widely accepted today.
The Historical Explanation
Another explanation for why Yamato is called “son” is rooted in Japanese history. During the 8th century, the Yamato period marked the beginning of a unified Japan and the emergence of the imperial family. During this period, the imperial family was known as the Yamato clan, and the name Yamato became associated with the imperial family. Over time, the name Yamato came to be associated with Japan itself, and the term “son of Yamato” was used to refer to the emperor and the imperial family.
The Cultural Explanation
The third explanation for why Yamato is called “son” is rooted in Japanese culture. In Japan, the idea of family is very important, and the term “son” is often used to refer to someone who is part of a family. This is especially true in the case of the imperial family, and the term “son of Yamato” is often used to refer to the emperor and the imperial family.
The Linguistic Explanation
The fourth explanation for why Yamato is called “son” is rooted in the Japanese language. In Japanese, the word “yamato” is written as “和” which is pronounced “wa”. The word “wa” is also used to refer to the Japanese people, and the term “son of wa” is often used to refer to the emperor and the imperial family. This linguistic explanation for why Yamato is called “son” is still widely accepted today.
The Symbolic Explanation
The fifth explanation for why Yamato is called “son” is rooted in the symbolism of the Japanese imperial family. In Japan, the emperor is seen as a symbol of unity and continuity, and the term “son of Yamato” is often used to refer to the emperor and the imperial family. This symbolic explanation for why Yamato is called “son” is still widely accepted today.
Conclusion
The name Yamato has been associated with the Japanese people since the earliest recorded history, and it is often referred to as “the son of Japan”. There are many theories and explanations behind the name Yamato and why it is referred to as “son”. These explanations range from mythological to historical, cultural to linguistic, and symbolic. Regardless of the explanation, the name Yamato is deeply rooted in the history and culture of Japan, and it is a name that is still held in high regard today.
