Turtles in Japan

thomas · Nov 17, 2000, 16:00

Guest Ginny Kulesa asked:

Can you tell me what does the turtle symbolize in Japan?

thomas · Nov 17, 2000, 16:00

Without claiming any expertise in this field, there are two possible explanations related to the symbol of tortoise in Japan:
[list=1][*]In Japanese tales and legends turtles are usually said to live "ten thousand years", thus they represent longevity.[*]Don't get me wrong, but "turtle head" (kitou) is a strictly medical term referring to male genitalia. It is of course also used in popular slang.[/list=1]

We hope that helped!

Squareboy · May 15, 2003, 14:00

Turtule? Wow This Site shure is filled with a lot of stupid threads

**NANGI** · May 16, 2003, 00:56

Konnichiwa thomas-san!
Yes, turtle is a symbol of long life.

And a soft shelled turtle is a symbol of persistent man(or unpleasant fellow).

There is a proverb "Tsuki to suppon" in Japan.
"Tsuki" is the moon and is a synonym for beautiful.
"to" means "And".
"Suppon" is a soft shelled turtle. Of course "Suppon" means "dirty".
"Tsuki to suppon" is "Moon and soft shelled turtle" in literal translation but means "It is as different as day and night".

NANGI

kazuma · May 21, 2003, 00:48

There're some good explainations in アベノ橋魔法☆商店街 . If you have a chance, rent this anime. Interesting one.

Nov 17, 2000, 16:00	#1
thomas Decommissioned ex-admin Join Date: Mar 14, 2002 Posts: 4,209	Turtles in Japan Guest Ginny Kulesa asked: Can you tell me what does the turtle symbolize in Japan?

May 21, 2003, 00:48	#5
kazuma Regular Member Join Date: May 20, 2003 Posts: 21	There're some good explainations in アベノ橋魔法☆商店街 . If you have a chance, rent this anime. Interesting one. __________________ watasi wa kazuma.

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May 15, 2003, 14:00	#3
Squareboy Regular Member Join Date: May 15, 2003 Location: English Age: 22 Posts: 22	Turtule? Wow This Site shure is filled with a lot of stupid threads

May 16, 2003, 00:56	#4
NANGI Tutor Join Date: Jan 8, 2003 Location: I live in Kansai. Posts: 2,276	Konnichiwa thomas-san! Yes, turtle is a symbol of long life. And a soft shelled turtle is a symbol of persistent man(or unpleasant fellow). There is a proverb "Tsuki to suppon" in Japan. "Tsuki" is the moon and is a synonym for beautiful. "to" means "And". "Suppon" is a soft shelled turtle. Of course "Suppon" means "dirty". "Tsuki to suppon" is "Moon and soft shelled turtle" in literal translation but means "It is as different as day and night". NANGI