Contrary to the misconceptions,
the legendary samurai (侍) were a military force with exceptional
combat skills and swordsmanship, highly educated and polite, rather than just a
small elite covert unit. Bushido(武士道) which is used to describe the
spirit of samurai, referring to morals, most commonly stressing some
combination of frugality, loyalty, martial arts mastery, and honour unto death.
This legendary military force was of upper-class citizens whom served for the
noble-class citizens to protect them from enemies and samurai even dare to die
for them. They reined during the tenth to nineteenth century in Japan.
The samurai fought in many
battles and as such, they would have their own military accordance’s and unlike
being court martialled the samurai were subject to capital punishment. Seppuku(切腹)
was a ritual suicide and reserved for Samurai. The process was that Samurai would puncture their abdomen and suffer from self disembowelment. Because it caused infinite pain, people believed that only
the bravest Samurai could bear the suffering of Seppuku and referred this death
penalty to the highest honour.
In Japanese history, only Samurai
could wield Katana whereas civilians could only wield and possess daggers.
Generally, Samurai brought a Katana and dagger to protect their lives. Samurai regarded
the sheath (a close-fitting cover for their blade) as their honour, hitting the
sheath would be treated as a disrespectful action.
In addition, Samurai's armour was
also astonishing, and represented the taste of a Samurai; upper Samurai usually
put their own family crest or special meanings on a set of armour or flag, especially
helmet. The helmets were ordinarily made of metal with terrifying design as a
demon. In modern day Japan, samurai are non-existent; however there are amazing
Samurai towns which you can read about in the links below.
For a more detailed
understanding on this topic and especially samurai towns check out these links:
- http://www.bbc.com/travel/story/20150311-get-lost-in-japans-ancient-samurai-town
- http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2127.html
- http://www.artofmanliness.com/2008/09/14/the-bushido-code-the-eight-virtues-of-the-samurai/
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