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Japan's culture is full of symbols taken from nature and Taka or hawk, has a long history that began with the introduction of falconry (Takagari) in 244 A.D.
Takagari began when trained birds were brought to Japan as a gift for a shogun. In the more peaceful times of the early17th Century, the samurai warrior received a military manual that included a section on falconry, thus allowing them to continue their demonstration of authority and warrior spirit, reflected in the fact this was a sport for noble classes. Thriving as a sport in the Edo period (1600-1868), many paintings of hawks were then commissioned by samurai. Today falconry schools still exist in Japan, most of them established during the Edo period.
Kites, popular with both children and adults alike, are often seen either colorfully decorated with Taka or made in the shape of the bird, symbolizing their command of the sky and majestic beauty in flight. In a Shinto belief, it is a good omen to dream of Taka in your first dream of the New Year.
Proud parents wishing their boy child strength and skill to achieve success and a high status in life, might dress him in a kimono bearing a hawk on Boy's Day celebrations in May. The origin of man's involvement with this noble bird has not been forgotten. |
