Basic Human " Japan "Unalocated
Heian History and Culture
Chapter 7: Heian History and Culture
Murasaki Shikibu lived in the Heian era, an era known as Japan's "Cultural Age. The Heian lasted from 794 to 1185 AD, and is considered the golden period in Japanese history. At that time, Japan experienced tremendous economic growth, artistic, literary, and architectural progress.
At the beginning of the Heian period, the Japanese capital was moved from Nara to Heian-kyo (modern-day Kyoto) by Emperor Kammu. The move ended the Nara period and opened the Heian period. Heian-kyo is built with a symmetrical city design, with streets forming small squares. Heian architecture is characterized by the use of wood and natural materials, such as stone and straw.
At that time, Heian society was organized on the basis of a strict hierarchy. The noble class or aristocracy had a very high social status and they lived by strict rules. At the same time, the peasant and working class live in very different ways and have little influence in government.
Within the Heian court, the life of a noblewoman was deeply bound by strict social rules. They must follow strict etiquette and rules of courtesy, and are prohibited from showing emotions openly. Despite this, noble women had the opportunity to learn to read and write, and many of them became poets, prose, and literary writers.
One of the most famous literary works of the Heian era is The Tale of Genji, written by Murasaki Shikibu. The Tale of Genji is considered to be the first novel in the history of Japanese literature, and tells the life of a handsome prince named Hikaru Genji. It showcases the noble life and daily life of the Heian people, as well as providing an overview of the love and relationship between men and women of the time.
Art and literature also flourished during the Heian period. Painting and calligraphy became very popular, and many works of art from the Heian era still survive today. The art of inlay sunging (pottery emulsion) also began to develop at this time.
The Heian culture had a significant impact on Japanese history and culture. Much of what was invented and developed during the Heian period is still an integral part of Japanese culture today. For example, the traditional Japanese way of dressing, the kimono, dates back to the Heian period. So is the art of ikebana and tea ceremonies, which originated in the Heian culture.
The Tale of Genji is still one of the most important and influential works of literature in Japanese literature, and is a source of inspiration for many artists and writers today. In addition, the concept of beauty in Heian art and literature, known as "yugen" and "wabi-sabi", is still valued and practiced in Japanese culture today.
However, although Heian is considered a golden era in Japanese history, its glory does not last forever. In the 12th century, Japan experienced a civil war known as the Genpei War, which ended the Heian era and opened a new period in Japanese history, the Kamakura era. Despite this, Heian's influence and cultural heritage continues to this day.
Murasaki Shikibu's Journey
Murasaki Shikibu was born in Kyoto around 978. His father was a prominent imperial official, and his mother came from a famous noble family. Due to his background, Murasaki Shikibu grew up in an environment filled with literature, art, and culture.
Since childhood, Murasaki Shikibu showed her talent in writing and reading. He learned to read Chinese script, which at that time was used to write literature and official documents in Japan. In addition, he also studied classical Japanese literature, such as Manyoshu and Kokin Wakashu, which contained poems from the Nara and Heian periods.
In his spare time, Murasaki Shikibu wrote The Tale of Genji, a literary masterpiece considered a masterpiece of Japanese literature. He wrote the work for many years, and completed it around 1010. It chronicles the life of a handsome prince named Hikaru Genji, and features the noble life and daily life of the Heian people of the time.
After completing The Tale of Genji, Murasaki Shikibu wrote other literary works, such as the Diary of Lady Murasaki, which chronicled her life within the imperial court. In addition, he also wrote famous poems, such as Murasaki Shikibu Nikki.
Although his work is recognized as the best literary work of the Heian era, Murasaki Shikibu himself was not widely known during his lifetime. However, after his death, his works were considered masterpieces of Japanese literature and became a source of inspiration for many artists and writers to date.
Murasaki Shikibu's life journey illustrates the life of the Heian nobility, who were deeply bound by strict social rules. However, she also demonstrated the ability of noble women to study and explore the world of literature and art, and left a valuable cultural heritage for Japan and the world.
After completing his literary masterpiece, The Tale of Genji, Murasaki Shikibu decided to travel to the shrine in Kii to seek inspiration for his next literary work. He departed in the spring of 1015, accompanied by several guards and servants.
The trip to Kii was very strenuous and exhausting, especially since Murasaki Shikibu and his entourage had to cross dangerous mountains and forests. They also have to deal with bad weather and poor road conditions. However, Murasaki Shikibu remained patient and kept going.
After walking for a few days, they finally arrived in Kuwana, a small coastal town. There, they stay at the temple and meet a monk who gives them directions about their trip to Kii.
After leaving Kuwana, Murasaki Shikibu's entourage continued south towards Kii. They had to cross the rushing rivers and walk through the dark dense forest. However, Murasaki Shikibu remained steadfast and continued walking.
After a few days of walking, Murasaki Shikibu's entourage finally arrived in Kumano, a famous holy city in Japan. There, they visited famous temples and shrines, such as Kumano Hongu Taisha and Kumano Nachi Taisha.
After completing his journey to Kii, Murasaki Shikibu returned to Kyoto and returned to writing his literary works. He completed his last work, Murasaki Shikibu Nikki, at the end of his life. It records her life as a noblewoman in the imperial court, and provides a vivid picture of the life and culture of the Heian nobility.
Murasaki Shikibu's journey to Kii shows determination and perseverance in pursuing her goal, despite having to overcome obstacles and difficulties. This journey inspired him to write even more literary works, and produced works that became a valuable cultural heritage for Japan and the world.
