蜻蛉
Dragonflys In Japan
Dragonflies in Culture
In Japan the dragonfly is often associated with summer and autumn and it is admired and respected across the country. Dragonflies are symbols of courage, strength, and happiness, and they often appear in art and literature. In ancient mythology, Japan was known as Akitsushima, which means "Dragonfly Islands".
Childrens Games
Japanese children catch large dragonflies as a game, using a hair with a small pebble tied to each end, which they throw into the air. The dragonfly mistakes the pebbles for prey, gets tangled in the hair, and is dragged to the ground by the weight.
Tonbogiri
One of the Three Great Spears of Japan, is called the Tonbo-giri, which transtales to 'The Dragon Fly Cutter'. The spear is an important part of Japans imperial regalia. The spear it's self was once wielded by the legendary Samurai, Honda Tadakatsu. It's name came from the story that the blade is so sharp, that a dragon fly once landed on it and was instantly cut in half.
Vocabulary
秋茜 - Akiakane (あきあかね) - Red dragonfly
蜻蛉 - Tonbo (とんぼ) - Dragonfly
秋 - Aki ( あき) - Autumn
勇力 - Yuuryoku (ゆうりょく) - Courage
力 - Ryoku (りょく) - Strengthりょく) - Strength
利福 - Rifuku (りふく) - Happiness