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Ancient Tibet
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In Japanese history lies a fascinating tradition, having to do with young ladies and the deep sea. Along the coasts of Japan, a highly prized mollusk lives deep down on the rocks. It is called the awabi (abalone, or sea-ear). It lives 40 feet down or deeper, and can only be harvested by divers going down and prying them off with a heavy knife.
The job of diving down to get these treasures has always been women's work. Called ama, the skill of deep diving was passed down from a mother to her daughter for generations. The Japanese believed that a woman could better handle the prolonged cold temperatures of the deep than a man. It is said that in former days, along the coasts of Japan, one could regularly hear the strange whistle of the ama surfacing and letting out her breath, and that this sound was as familiar as the gulls' cry.
Originally the ama wore nothing but a loincloth and belt, and sometimes a diving mask. Their skin bronzed in the sun when near the surface. These were the true mermaids of Japan. Later, modesty dictated that they cover up, so they started wearing white linen clothing. This also protected them from the sun's rays and the white color helped to scare sharks away.
These girls learned the paths of the deep as familiarly as the paths of their village. Novice divers were taken out in groups on boats, and had to dive and swim on their own strength. But an expert ama would have her own boat and boatman, usually her husband or some other male relative she absolutely trusted. The expert ama used a weight to drop her down quickly, and her boatman was ready to haul her up with a rope just as quickly. With these aids she was able to go deeper than her less-skilled sisters, and spend more time and breath on the bottom where the awabi live.
This diving was a seasonal job, but the awabi fetched so much money that these villages became a matriarchal society. The best amas were able to take their pick of potential husbands and were treated as queens.
As the modern age hit Japan, the idea of diving because spurned, the Japanese considered it too peasant. Many young girls went to the factories instead. Consequently, fewer and fewer girls are following their mothers into the sea. Since then, the prices of awabi have continually risen, as it has become more rare. But the Japanese won't give it up - they love it so much, either raw, semi-raw or pickled in vinegar, steamed or dried. The Japanese will pay any price for it, as the awabi is considered one of the prizes of the ocean.
Let us hope that the mermaids of Japan will rediscover this amazing tradition, and never let it die.
Jerilyn Winstead is a freelance writer and daring mother of four living in Colorado. She has started her own business making and selling mermaid tails and mermaid costumes, as well as blogging about everything mermaid at http://www.aquatails.com. AquaTails recently did a demo at the Downtown Aquarium, Denver. You can see the video on the website.
Discover the mysteries land of Tibet
Tibet is often called Shangri La, or "The Rooftop of the World", but there is no simple way to describe the mysterious province of Tibet in a few simple words. It is an amazing place that has some of the most breathtaking man-made and natural sites in the world, and the Tibetan people seem to smile more than any people in the world. They welcome visitors with open arms and with a hospitality that is legendary.
Lhasa's Potala Palace
A curious young monk
Overlooking the city of Lhasa is the Potala Palace, the traditional home to the Dalai Lama and the traditional center of Tibetan politics.The imposing structure commands a view of the whole city of Lhasa the top of Red Hill. Built like a giant fortress, the Potala Palace hides a labyrinth of chambers each covered with paintings, frescoes, and treasures. Located near the Potala Palace is the Jokhang Temple. It is a four story complex with golden roofs. Visitors standing in the center of the temple's square can view the entire complex. The main hall, which is the oldest in the temple, is over, 1,300 years old. The walls of the main passageways are covered with frescos, completed when the temple was built, depicting the construction of the temple. The street that surrounds the Jokhang Temple is known as Barkhor Street. Pilgrims can be seen day and night walking this street in a clockwise direction spinning prayer wheels, or prostrating themselves on the ground. This street is not just for pilgrims however. It is also one of Lhasa's main shopping streets. Tibetan arts and crafts can be purchased on this street, where many shops or temporary stalls set up daily. With a history of almost six hundred years, and covering an area of over 250,000 square meters, the Drepung Monastery, is one of the most impressive and most important monasteries in Tibet. The buildings of the monastery are centered on two magnificent white pagodas. The buildings are elaborately decorated with colorful paintings and frescos and house magnificent statues of Buddhas, and Bodhisattva. There are several courtyards located in the dense forests of the monastery. The courtyards are used for monks to debate the Buddhist Sutras.
A Tibetan pilgrim slowly heading to Lhasa
A pilgrim prostrating himself as he heads to Lhasa
Due to the influx of tourists, Lhasa has quite a hopping night life. There are a large number of bars, night clubs, and western restaurants to be found in Lhasa city. There are bars to suit all tastes. Some are quiet and relaxed, some are western in style, and some feature traditional Tibetan elements. Many of the bars have live music and visitors can enjoy watching western and Chinese pop, as well as traditional Tibetan songs performed for them.
Tibetan famed as a land of mystery is a truly unforgettable destination. This province with its ancient culture and hospitality is a fantastic destination for visitors. It truly has something for everyone. Almost every part of Tibetan culture is an art form, from their clothing, and writing, to how they design and build their houses. The best part is how Tibetan people open their homes to visitors and get great enjoyment from sharing their culture and lives with visitors.
Are you planning to go to the Tibet? Please contact China Odyssey Tours maybe they can give you some help.
About the Author
China Odyssey Tours - A China-based company provides tour packages for family, couple, individual & group. Help you plan & organize your tour to China according to your preferences.
Can anyone help me find the right books?
I'll be going to Singapore soon and need some book titles to be purchased in the book stores there since they got almost everything. Please note that I want English books
What I'm looking for are:
-References of Ancient China i.e. Cultures, traditions, beliefs, etc. It'd even be better if pictures are included. I also don't mind picture books as long as they're accurate.
-References of Tibet, same details as above
-References of Victorian Age, especially the traditions and cultures
-References of China's Martial Arts
-References of Masquerade Balls
-References of Asian Myths (especially China and Tibet)
I used "China: People Place Culture History" for a report in college last year and found the book really useful. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0756631599?ie=UTF8&tag=howtobecafir-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0756631599
Canada's first traditional Tibetan Buddhist monastery opens
Buddhist philosophy teaches that Buddhahood is achieved by looking inward, but the architectural design of a place of worship can greatly affect one's inner peace and state of mind.
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