A Gift from the East

Our good friend Toshihiko Hayashi (Tommy) from Tokyo has sent Shea this wonderful gift, a traditional Kabuto helmet. Not only is it an incredibly beautiful and intricate gift, it is also quite an honor to receive.

Traditionally in Japan, emphasis is placed on the development of manliness, bravery, and strength in their male children.  These traits were probably inspired by the samurai class, a military class of well-trained and well-disciplined warriors who lived by a strict code of rules.  Even today, great reverence is shown toward the ideals of the samurai and his life of dedication and honor.  On May 5th, Japan as a nation celebrates their male children with a display of warrior dolls arranged in front of a backdrop of banners and streamers.  The dolls are often heirlooms handed down from generation to generation.  The warrior helmet (kabuto) is placed in the most prominent position in the display.

A common practice is for relatives to give each newborn baby boy a kabuto helmet.

This makes the gift even more special. 

Click the small photos to see the full image.

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