[Etymology] Nihon Shakumei (26) Beasts (Cattle, Horses, Sheep, Dogs, Cats, Rabbits, Wolves, Foxes, etc.)
Beast
Hair-growingthing. "Na" and "ta" are interchangeable. "Kuda-mono" (fruit) is "things that grow on trees." "Keda-mono" (beast) is "things that are hair." The meaning of the character "ta" is the same.
Cattle (Ushi)
It is "urusashi" (annoying/troublesome). It has the meaning of being resentful. Its form is a frightening and resentful thing. "Urameshi-ki" (resentful) is called "ushi".
* Reference: "Koji Ruien Vol. 49" (National Diet Library Digital Collections)
Horse (Uma)
The character "mu" is attached to mean "ma." "Mu" is the utterance of "ma." "Ma" is the sound of the character for "horse." There are many examples where the sound is used as the reading.
* "Hatsugo" is utterance. * Reference: "
Koji Ruien Vol. 49" (National Diet Library Digital Collections)
Sheep (Hitsuji)
The time of the sheep is when the sun rises to the heavens and descends to the west. There were no sheep in Japan originally. When they were brought over from China in later generations, the reading was based on the meaning of the time of the sheep (Hitsuji) in the twelve zodiac signs.
* Reference: "Koji Ruien Vol. 49" (National Diet Library Digital Collections)
Dog
It is "inuru" (to go away/return). It is a creature that becomes attached to its master and does not leave. Therefore, even if you lure it to another place and feed it good food, it will return to its original master. If you keep it tied up for a long time, it will become attached to that master and will not return.
* Reference: "Koji Ruien Vol. 49" (National Diet Library Digital Collections)
Cat (Neko)
"Ne" is "nezumi" (mouse). "Ko" is "konomu" (to like). It is a beast that likes mice. One theory is that a cat is a creature that sleeps a lot. Perhaps it means it likes to sleep. In the "Wamyō Ruijushō," it is read as "nekoma." "Ma" is interchangeable with "mu." It is the "mu" character from "konomu." The "no" is omitted.
Also, a cat is called "kana." Long ago, there was a library at Shōmyō-ji Temple in Kanazawa, Sagami Province, which housed many books. When many books were brought from China, good cats were brought from China to prevent mice. The lineage of those cats was called "Kanazawa cats," which was abbreviated to "kana."
* "Kara" is China. * Reference: "
Koji Ruien Vol. 49", "Kōbunko Vol. 15" (National Diet Library Digital Collections)
Wild Boar
It is called 'ikarishishi'. 'Shishi' means meat.
* Reference: 'Koji Ruien Vol. 49' (National Diet Library Digital Collections)
|Deer
It is 'white and has a smell'. 'Kano shishi' means 'foul-smelling meat'.
* Reference: 'Koji Ruien Vol. 49' (National Diet Library Digital Collections)
|Serow
'Niku' is 'mat'. It refers to a cushion. The skin of a |serow has thick fur and is good for use as a cushion. Therefore, the serow is called 'niku'. It is also called 'kamoshishi'. 'Kamo' is the character for 'felt' or 'fur mat'. In the past, a 'fur mat' was called 'kamo'. It appears in the 'Wamyō Ruijushō'. The skin of a serow is used as a fur mat. Therefore, it is called 'kamoshishi'.
* 'Serow' is the old name for the Japanese serow. Kamoshishi.
* 'Cushion' refers to something laid out for sitting or sleeping.
* Reference: 'Koji Ruien Vol. 49' (National Diet Library Digital Collections)
Rabbit
It is 'usuke' (thin-haired). Its fur is thin. 'Suge' and 'sagi' are related.
* Reference: 'Koji Ruien Vol. 49' (National Diet Library Digital Collections)
|Wolf
It is 'great biter'. It has a wide mouth and bites with great force.
* Reference: 'Koji Ruien Vol. 49' (National Diet Library Digital Collections)
|Fox
The 'Mizukagami' states: During the reign of Emperor Kinmei, a fox became a human wife and bore a child, but when barked at by the family dog, it revealed its true form. Because she was the mother of his child, her husband said, 'Come and sleep (kitsu neyo) from time to time,' and because she came and slept, it is called 'kitsune'.
* 'Kitsu neyo' means 'come and sleep'.
* 'Kitarineshikaba' means 'because she came and slept'.
* Reference: 'Philosophy of Language' (National Diet Library Digital Collections)
|Otter
It means a creature that is in the river and is fearsome.
※ Reference: "Koji Ruien Vol. 49" (National Diet Library Digital Collections)
Rat/Mouse
It is 'nusumi' (theft). 'Nu' and 'ne' are interchangeable. It is a beast that steals.
※ Reference: "Koji Ruien Vol. 49" (National Diet Library Digital Collections)
Mole
It means to lift up the ridges of a rice field.
※ 'Ugoromochi' is another name for a mole.
※ Reference: "Koji Ruien Vol. 49" (National Diet Library Digital Collections)
Weasel
It is 'fish-exterminator' (iotachi). It likes to catch fish. It is named so because when it enters a small pond, the fish die out. Another theory: the weasel breathes fire from its mouth, like fire. Because it stands up and moves when it breathes fire, it is called 'itachi'. 'I' means 'fire'.
※ Reference: "Koji Ruien Vol. 49" (National Diet Library Digital Collections)
Tiger
'Tora' comes from 'torayuru' (to catch). It is a beast that catches people.
※ Reference: "Koji Ruien Vol. 49" (National Diet Library Digital Collections)
Elephant
It means 'tusks sticking out'. It is a beast with long tusks that stick out.
※ 'Kiza' refers to an elephant.
※ Reference: "Koji Ruien Vol. 49" (National Diet Library Digital Collections)
Skin/Hide
It means 'hokaharu' (to stretch over the outside). The upper and lower parts are abbreviated. It is what stretches over the outside of the body.
Hair/Fur
It is 'ki' (spirit/energy). It is where 'ki' emerges. 'Ki' is 'ke'. One theory is that it is a thing that cuts through beasts. 'Ki' and 'ke' are interchangeable.
Hoof
It is 'fumi-tsume' (stepping claw). It is the claw that steps on the ground. The reversal of 'fumi' is 'hi'.
Tail
It is 'ohari' (end). It is at the end of the back.
Glue
It is because it is made by boiling the skin of a beast.
Author's note: ● represents characters that could not be deciphered.
I will update this as I decipher new characters or notice typos and misreadings. For details, please read the "Self-introduction/Disclaimer" section. 📖