Japan An Attempt At Interpretation

''Japan: An Attempt at Interpretation'' is a book written by Lafcadio Hearn, a Greek-Irish writer who lived in Japan for over a decade and became a naturalized Japanese citizen. The book is a collection of essays that attempt to provide an understanding of Japanese culture, society, and history from a Western perspective. Hearn explores various topics such as religion, art, literature, and customs. He also provides insights into the Japanese character, mentality, and way of life. The book offers a unique view of Japan during the Meiji period, a time of rapid modernization and cultural change. Hearn’s writing style is descriptive and poetic, reflecting his deep love and admiration for Japan. The book is considered a classic in the field of Japanese studies and has been widely read and studied by scholars and enthusiasts alike.The alternate drinking of rice-wine, by bridegroom and bride, from the same vessels, corresponds in a sort to the Roman confarreatio. By the wedding-rite the bride is adopted into the family religion. She is adopted not only by the living but by the dead; she must thereafter revere the ancestors of her husband as her own ancestors; and should there be no elders in the household, it will become her duty to make the offerings, as representative of her husband. With the cult of her own family she has nothing more to do; and the funeral ceremonies performed upon her departure from the parental roof,--the solemn sweeping-out of the house-rooms, the lighting of the death-fire before the gate,--are significant of this religious separation.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world’s literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.