Crescent symbols?
Can anyone pls explain the Crescent symbols on the helmets of the Master(the one assasinated). I also noticed one scene where the moon was shown and it too was in a narrow crescent. What's the significance of that symbology?
shareI think you hit the nail on the head. The crescent on Tsuzuki's head can only be a waning moon, foreshadowing his demise. In contrast, if you look at Washizu's head in the beginning, the crescent could either be a waxing or waning moon, meaning his future is uncertain. At least, my particular group of friends and I have postulated this.
shareI understand your point. However what I also want to know is,was that a common site or feature of a Japanese warrior's uniform in that era, and if so why?
For example, was it a part of their folklore or religion or culture for that particular symbol to be a part of their armor. Was it to ward off evil spirits? Was it to denote rank?
Any thoughts?
Wasn't it the mon (heraldic symbol) of the Date clan? I've seen an feudal-period drawing of a samurai warrior in full armour, with the crescent on his helmet, armour and banners; it was entitled "Faith in the Three Day Moon".
The bandit chief and his captain in Seven Samurai also wear crescents on their helmets. Maybe we're reading too much into this, and Kurosawa or his designer just thought it looked good!
Interesting :)
I read that the Moon cycle - from waxing to waning is reminiscent of the eternal life-death cycle as found in Buddhism, hence the association...
Both movies, Seven Samurai and Throne Of Blood, portray the same historic period - the Sengoku period, a rather bloody time in Japan's medieval history
The bandits in the Seven Samurai most probably found the helmets on the sites of heavy fighting between rival clans.