Translation and Meaning of: 鞠 - mari

The Japanese word 「鞠」, read as "まり" (mari), is used to designate a ball or sphere usually employed in traditional games and play in Japan. The word has a rich etymology and cultural history. The ideogram 「鞠」 is composed of the radical 「革」 meaning "leather", and the component 「局」 which, in this context, has no independent meaning but complements the formation of the character.

Historically, the term 「鞠」 dates back to ancient periods in Japan, where balls were made of leather and filled with horsehair or other natural materials. These balls were traditionally used in "kemari," a game that resembles soccer and was played by nobles during the Heian period. The practice of "kemari" was not competitive in nature and aimed primarily at cooperation among participants to keep the ball in the air for as long as possible.

In addition to 「鞠」, the term "まり" (mari) also refers to decorative balls known as "temari", which are made of colored threads and originated as a form of handicraft practiced by Japanese women. The variations in use and materials reflect the cultural evolution of the concept of "mari" over the centuries. Although today children play with plastic or rubber balls, the traditional and decorative use of "mari" still persists in cultural events and as handcrafted decorative pieces.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

• まり (mari) - Paper ball; game ball, usually used in traditional games.
• 玉 (tama) - Ball; a sphere, often associated with gemstones or beads.
• 球 (kyuu) - Ball; spherical object used in various sports and games.
• 丸 (maru) - Round; a term that also refers to things that are circular or spherical, not necessarily associated with a physical ball.