On Rain
I like rain. Besides a biological need rain. I like it. There is a peculiar ambiance when it rains. The spiritual effect of rain is intriguing to say the least. This post is my excuse to go and explore different cultural interpretations of rain.
雨
From what I gathered, in Chinese culture, rain symbolizes good fortune and abundance. Which makes sense as rain leads to good outcomes in a farming civilization. The mythological creatures governing rain are dragons or 龙.
Traditional rain dances then have symbolism related to dragons. This connection to rain is why there are dragon dances for Chinese New Year’s. The main mythological story is about Yinglong 應 and how it helped give rise/legitimacy to China’s oldest empires.
レイン
For Japan, I expected them to have a rich connection with rain as well. They have around 10+ words to describe specific forms of rain, types of water, and different attitudes towards it. For the seasons, they have the terms 春雨 (spring rain), 梅雨 (long rain), and 夕立 (summer rain).
Each reflects key characteristics of the type of rain being received. They also have different onomatopoeia for different rain sounds! On the cultural and mythological front, Shinto shrines in Japan are dedicated to worshiping Suijin 水神, the goddess of water. The Shinto religion treats water as a means of purification. This tidbit might be why, in Spirited Away there is such an emphasis on the bathhouse.
me
I come back to ask myself: “Why does falling H20 even relate at all to my mood?” I interpret the rain as telling me to stay inside. Rain is a sign to take care of myself, to sit back and take inventory of my psyche. Rain allows my mind to get into a reflective state.
I like the rain, and this blog post is my way of paying respect to it.