Hi No Youjin
2 days ago
- #historical-connection
- #cultural-reflection
- #time-travel
- Living in Rome offers the luxury of visiting ancient ruins, which are so abundant that construction projects often halt due to accidental discoveries.
- The author reflects on the awe-inspiring experience of touching ancient Roman walls, feeling a deep connection to the past and the people who built them.
- Initially, the author believed that the time-traveling effect was unique to stone and metal, but after moving to Japan, they discovered that wooden structures can evoke the same sense of timelessness.
- Douglas Adams' anecdote about the Gold Pavilion Temple in Kyoto illustrates the Japanese perspective on historical buildings, where the essence and design are more important than the original materials.
- The author experienced a similar timeless feeling in Tokyo's Nezu neighborhood, where the traditional fire watch patrol (hi no youjin) has been practiced since at least 1648.
- The fire watch patrol, with its ritualistic hyoushigi clicks and chants, transported the author back in time, connecting them to the past inhabitants of Edo.