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Clothing In The Heian Period

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Clothing In The Heian Period
Anqi Zhang
Heian Period
Introduction
In Japanese concept, the Heian period means the peaceful and auspicious period. During Heian period, the overall cultural level in Japan had achieved a remarkable progress. The progress is mainly reflected in three major important characteristics: clothing, religion of aristocracy, and relations among women.
Clothing
Clothing is one of the most important factors to reflect the characteristics of the Heian period. Besides showing the beauty, clothing is also a sign of social status. During the Heian period, people attached great importance to their clothing. For instance, there were so many different colors on clothing. Even a low-rank lady also wore beautiful clothes. “She is covered up to her head with …show more content…
During Tang Dynasty, with the improving sailing skills and the invention of the compass, Buddhism was introduced into Japan. After it came into Japan, women who could read Chinese were inevitably influenced by it. After Buddhism was adopted by aristocracy, it became an enlightenment of fatalism thought and causal circle for women. “I intend to immerse myself in reading sutras for Amida Buddha. Since I have lost what little attachment I ever had for the pains that life has to offer… I am certain there would be moments of irresolution before Amida came for me riding on this clouds…someone with as much to atone for as myself may not qualify for salvation…everything conspires to make me unhappy.” This state of Murasaki reflected her life value. It shows her intention of becoming a nun without delay, and even her nostalgia of what she had by then. Besides, she presented a pessimistic emotion and desire of dreamland. There is another example that can prove the aristocracy was really into Buddhism. “Among the ceremonies of incantation I particularly like the Secret Formula of the Sacred Eye; when I hear it, I am overpowered and filled with a sense of awe.” This is the positive influence of Buddhism. Unlike Marasaki, Ivan Morris who wrote things happened in palace during Heian period could get full energy from Buddhist texts. From all the above evidences, we can see the aristocracies were seriously influenced by Buddhism during Heian
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