Yamato nadeshiko

Yamato nadeshiko (やまとなでしこ or 大和撫子) is a Japanese term meaning the "personification of an idealized Japanese woman",[1] or "the epitome of pure, feminine beauty"; poised, decorous, kind, gentle, graceful, humble, patient, virtuous, respectful, benevolent, honest, charitable, faithful.[2] It is a floral metaphor,[3] combining the words Yamato, an ancient name for Japan, and nadeshiko, a delicate frilled pink carnation called Dianthus superbus, whose kanji translate into English as "caressable child".[4][5]

Dianthus superbus

The term "Yamato nadeshiko" is often used to describe a demure young woman and, in a contemporary context, nostalgically of women with good traits which are perceived as being increasingly rare.[6][7] However, Nadeshiko Japan is also widely used as the name for the Japanese national women's football team.[8]

See also

References
  1. Kenkyūsha's New Japanese-English Dictionary (5th edition, 2003)
  2. Yang Ch'ien-ho and the Work of Writing Modern Selfhood. Satoko Kakihara1 University of California, San Diego
  3. "Contesting the Nation through a Genealogy of Girl Consciousness", Barbara Hartley, School of Asian Studies, University of Auckland
  4. Koujien, Iwanamishoten, all editions—entry for なでしこ
  5. Kanjigen, Gakken, all editions—entries for 撫, 子
  6. "大和撫子なんているの？ | 生活・身近な話題". 発言小町 (in Japanese). Retrieved 2019-10-20.
  7. Blackberries in the Dream House by Diane Frank. 1st World Publishing, 2003
  8. Japanese Women and Sport: Beyond Baseball and Sumo by Robin Kietlinski, A&C Black, 1 December 2011.
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