일장기(日章旗)와 불교의 상관관계－태양문양을 중심으로－ (The Relationship between the National Flag of Japan and Buddhism: Focusing on Sun Patterns)

서지정보

· 발행기관 : 동아시아일본학회
· 수록지 정보 : 일본문화연구 / 51호 / 409 ~ 425페이지
· 저자명 : 천선미

초록

This study examines the relationship between the national flag of Japan and Buddhism. Prince Shōtoku, who made Japan a Buddhist nation and sought to establish it as a sound and independent nation, chose the sun, signifying Vairocana, as the national symbol and ‘日ノ本, meaning the source of the sun, as the name of the country. The historical records of Japan written in the 8th century, 『Kojiki』 and 『Nihon Shoki』, presented the origin myth of the nation for the first time, and the sun was used as a major symbol. Considering the time these records were written, the sun symbol was most certainly influenced by Buddhism.
In addition, sun patterns had been used on the Japanese commemorative day and regarded as a talisman for the safety of noblemen since the Heian period, well before one was used in the national flag. This was because a sect of Buddhism, Shingon Buddhism, thought to have incorporated incantations or mysterious miracles, was widespread at the time, and the sun symbols of their central Buddha Mahāvairocana were therefore imitated. Sun patterns spread more widely during the Edo period, being used even in everyday objects and in a variety of colors. However, the important point is that the red sun pattern, which is now on the national flag of Japan, was a talisman, featuring a sacred color.
Conclusively, sun patterns had been seen by the Japanese as guardians for individuals and the nation, well before they were used in the national flag. What is notable is that the sun patterns in Japan began under the influence of Korea Buddhism, which was introduced to Japan in the 6th century from Baekje, Goguryeo, and Silla.

영어초록

This study examines the relationship between the national flag of Japan and Buddhism. Prince Shōtoku, who made Japan a Buddhist nation and sought to establish it as a sound and independent nation, chose the sun, signifying Vairocana, as the national symbol and ‘日ノ本, meaning the source of the sun, as the name of the country. The historical records of Japan written in the 8th century, 『Kojiki』 and 『Nihon Shoki』, presented the origin myth of the nation for the first time, and the sun was used as a major symbol. Considering the time these records were written, the sun symbol was most certainly influenced by Buddhism.
In addition, sun patterns had been used on the Japanese commemorative day and regarded as a talisman for the safety of noblemen since the Heian period, well before one was used in the national flag. This was because a sect of Buddhism, Shingon Buddhism, thought to have incorporated incantations or mysterious miracles, was widespread at the time, and the sun symbols of their central Buddha Mahāvairocana were therefore imitated. Sun patterns spread more widely during the Edo period, being used even in everyday objects and in a variety of colors. However, the important point is that the red sun pattern, which is now on the national flag of Japan, was a talisman, featuring a sacred color.
Conclusively, sun patterns had been seen by the Japanese as guardians for individuals and the nation, well before they were used in the national flag. What is notable is that the sun patterns in Japan began under the influence of Korea Buddhism, which was introduced to Japan in the 6th century from Baekje, Goguryeo, and Silla.

참고자료

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