Shachihoko: Difference between revisions
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[[Image:Shachi.jpg|right|thumbnail|A ''shachihoko'' float used in [[Karatsu Kunchi]] festival]] |
[[Image:Shachi.jpg|right|thumbnail|A ''shachihoko'' float used in [[Karatsu Kunchi]] festival]] |
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A {{Nihongo||鯱|'''shachihoko'''}} is an animal in [[Japanese folklore]] with the head of a dragon and the body of a carp |
A {{Nihongo||鯱|'''shachihoko'''}} is an animal in [[Japanese folklore]] with the head of a dragon and the body of a carp. It was believed that this animal could cause the rain to fall, and as such, temples and castles were often adorned with roof ornaments (''[[Shibi (roof tile)|shibi]]'') crafted in the form of a ''shachihoko'', in order to protect them from fire. |
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The above [[kanji]] can be pronounced in two different ways. When pronounced "shachihoko", it refers to the mystical animal mentioned above. When pronounced "shachi", it usually means [[orca]]. This is a source of confusion, even among the Japanese. |
The above [[kanji]] can be pronounced in two different ways. When pronounced "shachihoko", it refers to the mystical animal mentioned above. When pronounced "shachi", it usually means [[orca]]. This is a source of confusion, even among the Japanese. |
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[[Image:Okayamajou26.JPG|right|thumb|180px|A ''shachihoko'' decorates the roof of [[Okayama Castle]]]] |
[[Image:Okayamajou26.JPG|right|thumb|180px|A ''shachihoko'' decorates the roof of [[Okayama Castle]]]] |
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Revision as of 08:30, 6 April 2011
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A shachihoko (鯱) is an animal in Japanese folklore with the head of a dragon and the body of a carp. It was believed that this animal could cause the rain to fall, and as such, temples and castles were often adorned with roof ornaments (shibi) crafted in the form of a shachihoko, in order to protect them from fire.
The above kanji can be pronounced in two different ways. When pronounced "shachihoko", it refers to the mystical animal mentioned above. When pronounced "shachi", it usually means orca. This is a source of confusion, even among the Japanese.
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