Wednesday, July 11, 2012

BUSHIDO

TileHead’s Word of the Day for 11 July 2012

= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =

Word of the Day:
BUSHIDO  (n. pl. -S)

Definition(s):
  1. (n.) the code of conduct of the Japanese samurai warrior

Useful info for word game players:
  • Front hooks: (none)
  • Back hooks: -S
  • Anagrams: (none)
  • Longer extensions: (none)
  • Wraparounds: (none)
  • Other Spellings: (none)
  • Related Forms: (none)

Current theme:
No theme this week — just a few random selections from the good wordbook

Epilogue:
The Japanese bu-shi-do literally means “military-knight-ways,” often translated more poetically as the "way of the warrior."  Bushido is a relatively new word in English, having been popularized by Nitobe Inazo's 1899 book Bushido: The Soul of Japan, but it encompasses a complex moral code of conduct with roots in ancient Japanese culture and warfare.  Among the virtues emphasized were courage, discipline, duty, honor, honesty, loyalty, respect, and sacrifice.

Ancient SAMURAI (“servant”) warriors were so duty-bound that they would occasionally commit SEPPUKU ("stomach-cutting"), a ritualistic form of suicide with a short sword, in order to avoid being captured by an enemy or to avoid shame for misdeeds.  This gruesome ritual is no longer practiced, of course, but Japanese culture still places a high value on duty and honor.  For example, top Japanese executives will sometimes resign in the wake of a scandal or problem that brings shame to the company.

= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =

No comments:

Post a Comment