The Secret of Abundance Hidden in the Name "Goldfish"
"Goldfish".We call it that as a matter of course, but have you ever wondered why it is written as "Gold" fish ?
It's Juane*. Hello.
This time, it's a story about the slightly greedy (lol), but very warm wish hidden in that name.
The Beginning is a Layering of "Sounds" Across the Sea
The roots of the name goldfish are in our neighbor, China.In Chinese, goldfish is pronounced "Jīnyú", which sounds exactly the same as "Jīnyú" meaning "money surplus" or "Jīnyú" meaning "gold and jade (jewels)".
(...Ah.Who laughed ?)
"May our home overflow with money and treasures." Such earnest wishes of people were superimposed on the figure of the fish shining red and glittering.
As a "Charm" in the City of Edo
When that culture was transmitted to Japan and the Edo period arrived, goldfish became a more familiar existence like a "guardian deity".
Interestingly, the Edo commoners of that time believed that "keeping goldfish prevents fires".In the city of Edo where fires were frequent.Red goldfish symbolized "fire", and by keeping them in "water", they sealed the fire... Not only the wish to "become rich", but also the prayer to "protect our precious daily life", goldfish might have been carrying.
It's wonderful, isn't it ?
Not just as a "decorative fish", but people of that time saw "hope for the future" in goldfish.When I think so, the figure swimming leisurely in the tank seems somewhat reliable.
Seeds of Abundance in the Heart
The name "Gold" fish.I feel that it contains the meaning of an existence that gives us not only material abundance but also "space" and "color" in our hearts.
We, Jun * Juane, also hope to deliver a spoonful of "richness of heart" to your daily life through our works.
Chinese "Harmonic (Kaion)" culture: Words with the same sound are considered auspicious.The connection between Goldfish(Jīnyú) = Surplus Gold(Jīnyú) is widely recognized as a motif in Feng Shui and traditional crafts.
Edo "Fire Protection (Hiyoke)" belief: As a folk belief in the Edo period, keeping red goldfish was believed to ward off fire disasters(descriptions of the efficacy of goldfish can be seen in old books such as "Kingyo Mondo").
