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I have been reading The Japanese Sword Column and thought it may be of niche interest to other Soylentils. It is written by Paul Martin, a noted British expert of Japanese swords. From the introduction:
Along with cherry blossoms and Mount Fuji, the Japanese sword has become one of the enduring symbols of Japan. It has experienced centuries of warfare, evolved through Mongol invasions, survived the introduction of the musket, the end of the samurai era, modernization, and confiscation and destruction by the Allied forces following World War II. They are an anachronism in modern society, yet they continue to be made. They are an integral part of Japanese culture.
Today, I feel very fortunate that we have access to Japanese swords and can observe the artistry of blades that were previously only accessible by Japan's ancient military and social elites.
I particularly enjoyed the July 25th article, The Changes in the Shape of the Japanese Sword. The articles are short, update infrequently and have plenty of pictures of museum-quality swords. A good fit for those with a casual interest in the subject.
(Score: 2) by jelizondo on Tuesday October 10 2017, @03:19AM (7 children)
Sorry to disagree, swords have a ceremonial value, i.e. the coronation of a Queen of King [wikipedia.org]. I do own a sword for ceremonial purposes and I have given as a gift a katana, not with the intent to kill a human being, but because my friend collects such things.
Now guns, ¿in what ceremony is someone presented with a gun, other than military ones?
(Score: 5, Insightful) by The Mighty Buzzard on Tuesday October 10 2017, @03:20AM (3 children)
You think the King/Queen things aren't military?
My rights don't end where your fear begins.
(Score: 2) by jelizondo on Tuesday October 10 2017, @03:30AM (2 children)
Really, I forgot about Queen Elizabeth serving in the armed forces...
(Score: 3, Informative) by The Mighty Buzzard on Tuesday October 10 2017, @04:24AM
Mechanic for the Brit army, wasn't she?
My rights don't end where your fear begins.
(Score: 3, Informative) by Runaway1956 on Tuesday October 10 2017, @01:57PM
You are being sarcastic, and may not appreciate a few facts thrown at you. But, here ya go, just the same - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Military_service_by_British_royalty [wikipedia.org]
There is a tradition that the male members of England's royalty will serve. Some have actually served, others have sheltered behind ceremonial titles and functions. But, we can equate the Queen to our Commander in Chief. She has ceremonial functions to serve, and she is senior to all the admirals and generals.
(Score: 2) by coolgopher on Tuesday October 10 2017, @04:58AM (1 child)
And just what do you think a sword symbolizes in such ceremony? It sure isn't kittens and daisies.
You're off on a tangent here though - we're discussing the actual, primary use of these weapons. Anything can be symbolized and ceremonialized. There's no difference between giving a collector a gift of a sword or a gun, if that's what they're collecting. Guns are used for celebratory reasons too (e.g. weddings). Doesn't change what they're designed to do.
(Score: 2) by darkfeline on Wednesday October 11 2017, @04:03AM
It symbolizes the cross, obviously.
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(Score: 2) by t-3 on Tuesday October 10 2017, @05:10AM
Guns are fired off on the Fourth of July and New Years, at military funerals, presented during ceremonies for heads of state etc. Weapons have always had a place in ceremony, because our modern societies are still tightly linked in memory to the feudal past, and strength=violence to the animal brain.