Thinking of getting this, want to know it's origins though....

chin_grin

....Please move if this is in the wrong place. But I was wondering does anyone know what the below picture (the design on the drum) symbolizes? I know the pic is of the kodo drummers (and being a drummer it intrigued me). Thanks a mil.

DinoBot

chin_grin wrote: »

It is called a “tomoe,” and its a symbol of the spiral created by the energy of thunder and cloud, fire and water and universal creation. Very similar to Yin-Yang really.

The spiral represents the clashing and flow of Heaven and Earth, Yin and Yang.
In Japan, the tomoe was considered to be the shape of the human soul. Some families use them as their family crest. Very popular among the samurai class.

Another meaning, and one which I like, is that it has been associated with the god of war Hachiman.


Just found more info:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mitsu_tomoe
http://original.britannica.com/eb/art-5797/Hachiman-woodblock-print?articleTypeId=1

"The crest of Hachiman is in the design of a tomoe, a round whirlpool or vortex with three heads swirling right or left. Many samurai clans used the tomoe crest as their own"

chin_grin

A gent and a scholar, thanking you very much.

gucci

Thats a pretty cool sign in fairness!

NukeD4

Alternatively known as a mitsu tomoe, the above entry is pretty comprehensive and covers it, i think it is also used as a symbol of the wind god, i wanna say fujin but i couldnt be sure, i think its a great tattoo idea good luck