cutoms |
I would like to know why the japanese remove thier shoes when entering homes, restaurants, and places of worship? 1998/2/11 |
by Brenda , USA |
so ka na |
I would argue that above answer is only partially correct. Yes, the Japanese do place emphasis on the pure/impure dichotomy in a way similar to the Western concepts of good and evil, but I've never heard it anywhere mentioned that the feet are considered to be the dirtiest part of the body. (I would argue, rather, that although I believe the Japanese attitude toward sexuality is healthier than that of Americans, they still consider the sexual organs to be the most impure part of the body). Even if this were true that the feet are considered dirty, why would you remove the covering from your feet when entering your living space if the feet are dirty? Would you not, rather, want to keep the feet covered to prevent them from soiling the living space? I have posed the question about this custom to my wife, who is Japanese and believe it or not, the reason is not nearly so philosophical. If you wear the same shoes indoors that you wear outdoors, you will bring dirt into the house. It's simply a matter of pragmatism. Anyone else have any thoughts? 1998/2/17 |
by chaan, usa |
Basic answer |
The simplest answer to your question is that the Japanese consider shoes to be dirty, since they house the feet, which are considered the least clean part of the body. There is a strong emphasis on the difference between clean and dirty in Japan -- it might even be compared to the North American obsession with right vs. wrong. 1998/2/13 |
by Shaney Crawford, Canadian in Japan |
Created by Schauwecker's Guide to Japan |