Japanese
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■ Designing KAMON I create the graphics and design in the "KAMON" (roundel, outer circular form). Often, the graphics in the "MON" are for the purpose of selling products like special design-oriented prints for T-shirts and bags; and as such, have no specific meaning; they just look nice. On the other hand, the "KAMON" for an individual person or family has not only sophisticated designs but also specific meanings for the owner.  For example, I created the "KAMON" on the upper left of this page for myself, and it has the following meaning: The "A" part represents the flower of the neroli(Seville orange tree), and is a kind of herb with an elegant fragrance often associated with the "feminine" aspects. This means that I inspire to be an elegant and feminine woman. Everyone has their own impression of this flower; thus, My own wishes associated with this blossom make this "KAMON" especially for me. A long time ago, after winning a battle, a samurai came across a flower on his way home. He reasoned that the flower was related to his good luck in the battle and decided to make it the symbol of his "KAMON". So, in the same way, there can be something special for you in your "KAMON", but there may be nothing special in it for other people. I think everyone has such a special quality about them which the "KAMON" reveals. The "B" part represents the samurai sword. The sword has been used in the "KAMON" of samurai families for long time. The sword is for battles. Today, the battles are in the business world. In another sense, the sword also means to "cut through" towards the future. Therefore, to me, this "KAMON" means to "cut through" to my future, on my own or by my own efforts. The "C" part represents water. Water has also been used in the "KAMON" for long time. I used water here because of the flower. Water gives life, making the flower come alive and blossom. Water enhances all the positive attributes of the flower. The real flower of the neroli has five petals. The reason why there are only three petals in my "KAMON" is that three (petals) plus three (swords) is the number six. A long time ago, some families considered odd numbers as "good" and other families considered even numbers "good". In this case, the 3 "swords" motif and the 3 "petals" motif makes 6 motifs total. Because six is the multiple of an odd number and an even number, it means "Every thing goes well", "Any problem will be resolved", or "Every thing can be managed" A "KAMON" is usually designed with something like this in mind; The "place" of a special memory will be used in the motif to make the memory live forever... If it was snowing on a happy day like a wedding day, "snow" will be used in the motif to wish that the relationship lasts forever... Maybe a "cat and fish" motif will be used because a cat stole your fish on a day that was a happy one for you... There ideas may not have any sophisticated meaning, but it is an example of how people, who were very superstitious, thought in the old days. So, you can see that the criteria for deciding a "KAMON" is only as limited as your imagination, and is why your "KAMON" will be very personalized, only for you and you alone. |