Cardcaptor Sakura Notes
Angelic LayerThere is an injoke in chapter 2 of vol. 9. Kero is reading an issue of Angelic Layer, which is another manga written by CLAMP (who write CCS).
Bell
Can be a magical object often or a symbol of summoning. In the anime the bell is given to Mizuki by Clow Reed in order to give the candidate a second chance during the Final Judgement. In the manga Clow Reed used fortune telling to foresee his death and what would become of the Clow Cards and guardians. He knew Sakura would become their new mistress and thus created the bell before his death to be given to Sakura to complete the Judgement. She and Mizuki raise the Clow Staff and bell together and recite together, combining the powers of each and from this the Sakura or Star Staff is created.
Book of Clow
Magic books are an old tradition. Books are used in magic rites and rituals. There is also the Book of Shadows kept by covens and witches, containg anything from incantations and rituals to herbal lore.
Broomstick & Flying
With the aid of a special ointment that could be rubbed on the broom or oneself, it was believed in some places that witches could fly. The broom became associated with witches and flying for possibly two reasons: 1) the broom's association with the home and women, and thus with witches since most were female, or 2) because of pagan fertility rites where brooms were mounted and then the person leapt into the air during the rite in the field. In the series, Sakura's wand resembles a witch's mode of flight when she uses the Fly Card.
Clow Cards
Arrow-She appears in the first film only, and is an archer with the power to create and multiply arrows.
Dark-has black dress and hair, holds a star and crescent to symbolize night, dual with the Light Card; Kero says of her in the manga that she is Yue's most ardent supporter
Earthy-one of four element cards
Firey-one of four element cards
Flower-she reminds me of Ko-no-hana-sakuya-hime (the Lady-who-causes-trees-to-bloom) of Japanese myth, she "was a fairy of cherry blossoms, and is represented as hovering in the sky amd making the cherry trees bloom"*
Glow-her form looks like a firefly type fairy
Light-has white dress and hair, holds a cloud and sun, dual with the Dark Card; in the manga, Light tells Sakura she is the Sun's Kerberos' most ardent supporter
Mirror-In the East, mirrors were thought to have special powers, and were used for exorcisms and festivals. Mirrors are also found on Shinto altars.
Sleep-Sleep was known as Hypnos to the Greeks, and Somnus to the Romans. The dust the Sleep Card uses reminds me of the idea of the sand sprinkled by the "Sandman" to put people to sleep.
Snow-perhaps based on The Lady of the Snow, Yuki-Onna, from Japanese legend, or spirits who have died in the snow, snow-women.
Sweet-has a wand, like a sugar fairy
Thunder-The word for thunder in Chinese is lei. Sometimes thunder is represented as a kind of beast.
Time-Chronos (Time) was often represented as an old man in a mantle. The Time Card seems to be a personification of "Father Time," and is shown with an hourglass, a common symbol of time.
Watery-one of four element cards
Windy-one of four element cards; might be partly based on the sylph, the elemental spirit of air and wind
Wood-one of the five elements in the East, but not an element card; wood/nature is usually referred in the feminine, "Mother Nature," so appropriate that this card is feminine; this card might also be partly based on the mythical dryad, nature or guardian spirit of trees and groves
*The Mythology of All Races-Japanese V 8
Dreams
As for dreams, dreams fall into different categories, and one under supernatural dreams is the prophetic. In these dreams, the person watching, whether ascetic or other, is passive. Sometimes a messenger might appear in a dream or a kami, or an object may be bestowed. Dreams are also important to ascetics because through dreams of initiation they gain clairvoyance or divination abilities. Dreams may also fortell bad or good luck; some say they are experiences of the soul when it leaves the body in sleep.
Sakura's dreams often act as a premonition, fortelling an important meeting as in the case of Li or Madoushi. In the first film, the 3rd dream Sakura has from Madoushi crosses from a mere dream into reality as when she wakes up her wrist bears the mark of where Madoushi's ribbon held her.
Duality
In the series there are various representations of dualities. First, is the Light and Dark cards. A second is Yue and Kero. Yue represents the moon, has powers of ice, and bears colors of white and cool colors representing the moon aspect. Kero represents the sun, has powers of fire, and is a lion (a solar animal). There is also Spinel Sun and Ruby Moon who represent both the sun and moon and day and night. In the dualities of the series seems to be an underlying theme of balance in nature. At the end of the manga when Sakura must break Eriol's spell, she uses Light to do so, but then the real Sun can't come out so Sakura must use the Dark Card after to bring the night, and thus keep the cycle of day and night in motion. Also, while Eriol gives other reasons for the issue of the split in magic, both Clow Reed's and Eriol's own motives, it seems a kind of restoration of balance all the same the moment Sakura splits the magic between Eriol and her father (as both are incarnations of Clow Reed, split at his death).
Fan
Yelan uses a fan in the first film to channel her magic, much like Madoushi uses her ribbons or Sakura her wand.
Five Element Theory
Kero discusses this in volume 6 of the manga after Sakura has sealed Earthy. In China it was once believed the world was divided into five elements: water, wood, metal, fire, and earth. Each has a corresponding element. "A tree springs up from under the ground," is the example Kerberos gives.
Fortunetelling
"In Asia, one of the practical functions of astrologers and sorcerers was the choosing of "auspicious" or lucky days in which to perform important acts. A fortune teller would routinely be consulted for the most fortunate day on which to hold a wedding, fight a battle, or buy an important piece of property."**
Madoushi in the first movie was a fortuneteller, but also became known as a sorceress.
Four Gods
From Chinese mythology: Byakko (the white tiger), Suzaku (the phoenix), Seiryuu (the dragon), and Genbu (the tortoise). These four deities each represent a direction, season, and element. Yelan mentions the four gods when she mentions the Jade Emperor and the elements and so forth.
Jade Emperor
The Chinese deity Yu Huang. He rules the heavens, and those under him have control over thunder, human existence, and the elements. Yelan calls upon him in the first film when she seeks to help Sakura learn why she was summoned to Hong Kong and who it is that brought her.
Kerberos
Cerberus (Kerberos: Greek) was the three-headed guardian dog to the entrance of the underworld in Greek mythology. He allowed the dead in but allowed no one to leave. To appease the great beast, one might give him cakes of honey and flour.
Lion: King of the Beasts. The lion has been identified as a solar emblem, of light, courage, pride, wisdom, and as a guardian. Sometimes the lion was identified with a goddess, maybe as the "masculine" counterpart to the feminine. This animal in heraldry is associated with the colors red and gold.
In Japan and China, the lion was made a temple guardian since it was believed to keep away demons. Egyptians, Babylonians, and others did the same. In Egypt, lions were used to symbolize the setting and rising of the sun, their backs facing each other. Leo, Latin for lion, is a sign of the zodiac, ruled by the sun. It also is associated with the element fire, and the traits of leadership and bravery, and the metal gold.
Kinomoto Fujitaka
ki-tree, no-of, moto-origin
fujitaka-name is from Japanese wisteria
Kinomoto Nadesico
ki-tree, no-of, moto-origin
nadesico-Japanese name for Dianthus spp. (pink flower)*
Kinomoto Sakura
ki-tree, no-of, moto-origin
sakura-Sakura are cherry blossoms. They are not only the flower of Japan and a symbol for its culture, but a symbol of spring, purity, simplicity, and beauty. It also can stand for hope and new beginnings.
Kinomoto Touya
ki-tree, no-of, moto-origin
touya-peach blossom-The peach blossom can mean I am your captive. In the Japanese Language of Flowers, the peach blossom is a flower for lovers and can mean happiness of love. It is also a symbol of virginity in Japan.
Lasin Board/Compass
The four elements are represented by the four colors in the corners: red-fire, green-air/wind, blue-water, and yellow-earth. The four phases of the moon are depicted in corners, with the sun in the middle. In the center of the board is a yin-yang, the Chinese mandala. Li's Lasin Board may be influenced by the lo-p'an ("compass"). The compass was also used by Chinese astrologers and geomancers. A Taoist divining compass can detect spirits or be used for Feng-Shui. Note that Li's board seems to have the eight trigrams inscribed on it (found in the I Ching for example): wind, fire, water, thunder, earth, sky, mountain, and lake. In the first movie Yelan calls upon the elements and deities through the compass which she summons beneath Sakura.
Li Xiaolang and Meiling
Both name translations are by Ian Miller:**
The kanji for their surname Li means plum.
Xiaolang: small wolf
Meiling: kanji mean berry and bell
Li Yelan
From Ian Miller: Ye (night) lan (orchid)
Madoushi
She appears in the first film, and her name is never given. She is known only as madoushi, sorceress.
Magic Circle
A sacred space in which magic can be conducted, and power centered. Inside the circle may be inscribed with magical words or symbols. They are also used to protect the magic caster.
Moon Fortunetelling
From vol. 10 of the manga. The pond that Tomoyo, Li, and Sakura wait for Touya and Yukito by is special. Tomoyo explains that, "You can tell moon fortunes. This pond was made to tell fortunes from the reflection of the moon so there aren't any fish in it."
Rabbit
Yukito is repeatedly referred to as the "snow rabbit." As his true identity is Yue, the guardian with powers of the Moon. Snow rabbits (Yuki Usagi) are something Japanese children might make. The snow is packed tightly for the body, then red berries and leaves from the Nadine (bamboo) are used for the eyes and ears. They also have a connection to the rabbit on the moon.+
Ruby Moon & Spinel Sun
The ruby has been believed to contain fire within it. +Ruby spinel is a deep red, transparent gem. Spinel and Ruby both get their names from gems. In the manga the comment is made that Ruby has no gender, she isn't even human (this probably then extends to Yue as well). Both Ruby and Spinel have a butterfly motif, especially in their wings.
Sealing Wand
The wand is a traditional symbol for a conductor of magic or energy. Also, a rod of power, traditionally associated with witches.
Shikigami
The two birds from Madoushi's ribbons may be shikigami, the familiars of an onmyoji. For more on shikigami see Onmyodo under Japan/China.
Sleeping Beauty
The school play of Sleeping Beauty in volume 5 of the manga seems to be inspired by the Disney animated version of the tale. The princess is named Aurora, the good fairies number three, and Yamazaki who plays the evil witch wears a costume very reminiscent of Malificent as well as carries a crow puppet.
Teddy Bears
For the second half of the manga, the teddy bear becomes an important symbol of love. In vol. 7 Tomoyo explains the significance of a teddy bear's birthday (this is of course after the bear has just been finished being sewn or made). The day it gets its name and first ribbon is the bear's birthday. She says also that in foreign countries it is said that if the person the teddy bear is given to names it with your name they will be your true love forever. Of course each character then places high import on who they shall give their bear to, and what that person chooses to name it. When Rika gives hers to Sensei, she pulls the ribbon from her hair and then tells him what giving the bear its first ribbon means. He replies he shall name the bear "Rika." By the end of the series, Sakura realizes how long Li had loved her after she realizes even when she found the bear he wanted her to keep it. And when she hasn't given him his reply and wants to find some way to tell him how she feels, she sews a special bear for him and gives it to Li as his bus leaves for the airport with the words that he is the one she loves most. And his reply he shall name the bear "Sakura." Years pass and he can not return to Japan, but finally when Sakura is one day on her way to Middle School, there is panel shot of a boy carrying a bear with Sakura's trademark wings, and Li returns to Sakura's side forever.
Tomoyo
From Leticia, the name translates to "plum blossoms." And from Ian Miller, the kanji in her name mean "known world."
Tsukimine Shrine
Tsuki: moon, mine: mountain peak
Valentine's Day and White Day
Valentine's pops up in vol. 8 of the manga and White Day in vol. 9. Valentine's Day is celebrated a bit differently in Japan than it is in the West (though the holiday is still on Feb. 14). On this holiday it is women and girls only who are supposed to give chocolates. There are two kinds: giri choco (obligation chocolate) which is given to classmates, coworkers, anyone she feels she either is obligated to give a gift to (such as coworkers) or who she doesn't have a romantic interest in but would like to give a gift anyway, and the other is honmei choco which is chocolate given only to that special man in her life, a special chocolate for someone they romantically love. White Day follows Valentine's Day on March 14, and is a holiday created by Japan to reciprocate Valentine's. On this day the man will give a gift, sometimes chocolate, sometimes something else in return for his Valentine's gift. In the Cardcaptor Sakura manga it is not just the young men who give chocolates and gifts back though, it seems anyone who received a gift of chocolate on Valentine's makes a gesture in return to the Valentine's giftgiver.
Water
Madoushi had been a water fortune teller. She controls water, and when Sakura dreams of her, she dreams of water. Water also serves as a symbol of sadness in the first film. The tear that falls from Madoushi's eye when she accepts that Clow Reed is dead, and as she fades away, her body goes like teardrops when she thinks of him and how she's waited so long for him.
Well
The online Asian Horror Encyclopedia says that the well in Chinese and Japanese film can be a symbol of the underworld or unconscious. This idea fits in with the well in the first film that serves as a gateway to Madoushi's world. As she died a long time ago, the world inside the well could be by extension the underworld, or the unconscious as Madoushi speaks to Sakura through her dreams and brings her into her world this way.
Other Name Translations
The following are all courtesy of Leticia:
Akizuki Nakuru: Aki (autum) Tsuki (moon) Akizuki is also from Akitsuki, and the autum moon is said to be red.
Mihara Chiharu: Chi(Growing/Blood) Haru (Spring) Mi(beautiful)
Mizuki Kaho: Mi (beautiful) Tsuki (moon) Kaho (fate)
Sonomi: Sono(Garden) Mi (beautiful)
Tomoeda: Tomoe (That sprout from earth) Da(meadow)
Tsuki Mine: The temple where Kaho lives. Tsuki (moon) Mine (hill)
Tsukisiro Yukito: Tsuki(moon) Siro(White/Castle) Yuki(Snow)
Yamazaki: Yama(mountain) Zaki(flower)
Yanagisawa Naoko: Naoko(obedient child)
Yue: Moon in chinese
*From AnimeNation.com News Article
Ask John: What exactly are Yamato and Nadesico?
Feb. 9, 2001
**Ian Miller's article: http://antares7.prettyodango.net/site/xiaolang/index.html (June '02)
+Information on ruby spinel from Webster's Encyclopedic Unabridged Dictionary of the English Language, 1989.
A Few Movie Culture Notes
I thought everyone might enjoy a few culture notes for the first CCS movie as relates to Hong Kong. The following all come from the DK Eyewitness Top 10 Travel Guides: Hong Kong.
Birds: Bird Market showcases a variety of song and exotic birds. The Bird Garden is where people go to take their birds out into the fresh air or to hear them sing. Some birds are sold here as well.
A little note on fortune telling and birds. Sometimes white finches are trained to take a card to tell a fortune. Whether this has anything to do with the white birds that Madoushi's ribbons could turn into, I don't know. But either way, is an interesting tidbit.
Dim sum: Means "touch the heart." This is the food brought in bamboo baskets Sakura and the gang receive when they go out to eat.
**http://www.harapan.co.jp/english/kwaidan/konjaku_seimei1.htm Kwaidan: Abe no Seimei: The Great Taoist Sorcerer
http://liquid2k.net/lhadatto/index.html Asian Horror Encyclopedia
+http://www.coara.or.jp/~mieko/play2.htm
http://www.artelino.de/archive/art_object.asp?evt=41&rel=25
