(1808 posts)
Dec 16, 2008 10:25 pm
Hakama Pleats - Symbolism
The Japanese are a symbolic lot. Lots of things carry symbolic meaning. For example, next time you're at the dojo take a look at the bokkens in the racks. The handle pointing left means the house is at peace. The handle pointing right means the house is at war, as it can readily be grabbed in the weapon hand.The hakama is no different.
The 7 folds in the hakama is said to have the following symbolic meaning. This is one interpretation; there are others who use different terms, but in essence they all express the elements of budo:
jin (benevolence)
gi (honor or justice)
rei (courtesy and etiquette)
chi (wisdom, intelligence)
shin (sincerity)
chu (loyalty)
koh (piety).