Samurai: Fascinating Facts from the World of Warriors
Novpad is pleased to take you on a journey into the world of samurai, the legendary warriors who played a significant role in the history of feudal Japan. In this article, we will explore some intriguing and lesser-known facts about the samurai, who lived by the strict code of Bushido and were distinguished by their unique combat techniques. We will uncover unexpected aspects of their lives and battle methods, which may be shocking to some.
1. Collecting Enemy Heads
Collecting the heads of enemies was a fundamental part of samurai culture. On the battlefield, samurai sought to collect enemy heads as evidence of their success in combat. These heads were displayed to document the kill and to earn rewards based on the significance of the slain. After the battle, "kobukuro" bags—netted or cloth bags—were carried by warriors to hold the heads of their enemies.
2. Verifying the Authenticity of Severed Heads
Ensuring authenticity was crucial. Some samurai attempted to deceive the system by substituting the heads of the dead with others. To combat this, there were various methods to verify the authenticity of a head, such as obtaining a certificate from a trusted samurai or presenting the general’s war club. Occasionally, heads were recorded in a "head book" or "kobichō" as proof of the kill.
3. Battle Cries and Head Display
Upon severing an enemy's head, it was necessary to raise the head and issue a war cry to confirm victory. This tradition also involved allies of the victor raising the enemy heads as a sign of participation in the triumph. After the battle, heads were collected, and samurai might use a cord between the head's mouth and throat to preserve it. A special ceremony called "head inspection" was conducted where the local lord would select from the displayed heads, often placing them in armor and helmets protected by charms.
4. Oaths Taken by Samurai
Samurai took multiple oaths before battle, such as the blood oath and the "Shichimai Gishō" oath, where samurai would write their name seven times on seven sheets. These oaths were intended to reinforce courage and discipline. However, not all samurai adhered to them, and history records instances where samurai joined small groups and abandoned their promises.
5. Praying to War Gods
Before battles, samurai prayed to war gods like "Hachiman." Specific rituals, such as wearing a death garb, were used to pray for victory. There were also beliefs that the hole in the top of the samurai helmet allowed war gods to join the fight, though in reality, the hole was for ventilation.
6. Specialized War Vocabulary
Language was a crucial part of samurai culture. They avoided using vulgar phrases like "flee for your lives!" and preferred more expressive terms like "tactical retreat." Additionally, there were precise rules about using flags and weapons, such as not folding a flag but wrapping it instead.
7. Dipping the Sword in Blood
When a samurai received a new sword, it was customary to dip it in the blood of an enemy to validate its use. This tradition reflected samurai teachings and culture in warfare, where using a new sword without spilling blood was considered unacceptable.
8. Skinning the Enemy’s Face
When carrying multiple heads was not feasible, samurai might resort to "hana o kaku," or cutting off enemies’ noses. This was an alternative to heads, as noses were easier to carry. There were specific ways to document the identity of the slain by cutting the nose in a particular manner.
9. Taking Friends’ Heads During Battle
Occasionally, samurai would take the heads of their friends to protect them from enemies if they were on the verge of losing the battle. This included a practice called "Shingari," where samurai defended their comrades' retreat and took friends' heads if necessary.
10. Unfair Combat Tactics
Despite the noble image associated with samurai, there were unfair combat tactics. In the 16th century, samurai brought assistants and volunteers to battle and used methods like "death squads," where warriors attacked enemies from various angles to ensure victory.
Novpad hopes these facts provide a glimpse into the complexity and various facets of samurai life. These legendary warriors were not only heroes but represented a rich and intricate culture beyond conventional understanding.