Japanese traditional patterns Culture in shapes and colours

Japanese traditional patterns – Culture in shapes and colours –

Focus questions: What are Japanese traditional patterns? How are traditional patterns culturally significant in Japanese society? What do traditional patterns symbolise? What patterns are significant in our culture?

Activity 1 : What is もんよう？

でんとうもんようです。 traditional patterns

さのがわいちまつ わたしは、佐野川市松です。 かぶきやくしゃ (Kabuki actor） です。 いちまつ 市松もよう The pattern was called Ichimatsu pattern as it was worn by Ichimatsu Sanogawa who was a Kabuki actor 300 years ago.

Activity 2: Shapes and colours

かたち(shapes)は？ さん まる おうぎ し ご ろっ 五かく 六かく 四かく 三かく ★ What do you think かくmeans? Can you guess what a heptagon is called ? ★ What do you think おうぎ means?

How many shapes are there in each pattern? おうぎ しかく まる さんかく ( Shapes )は いくつありますか ？ 13

Japanese traditional patterns are made of various shapes. Do you know what they mean?

Activity 3: Meaning of patterns

According to Japanese folklore, the tortoise lives for 10, 000 years and thus is a symbol of longevity what every company hopes for. KI KKO MAN 亀 甲 tortoise shell 萬 10, 000 years

Quiz 2 このもんようは、なみです。 ？ いみは、「へいわ」です。 えいごで ‘peace’です。 Symbolises a peaceful life like the tranquil waves. 1 2 3 4 5 6

Quiz 3 たからです。 ？ いみは、「ちょうわ」です。 えいごで、 ‘harmony’です。 Beautifully arranged jewels symbolise harmony. 1 2 3 4 5 6

Quiz 4 このもんようは、へびです。 いみは、まよけです。 ？ えいごで ‘lucky charm’です。 Keeps away bad luck like a snake shedding its skin. 1 2 3 4 5 6

Quiz 7 Ｑ：Why do you think the pattern of arrows signifies happy marriage? Answer: Once the arrow is fired, it never returns and continues its journey

かんがえましょう Are there any other animals or objects in your culture which represent something?