Some random and useful info...
On names:If you want to take one of the characters mentioned above, feel free to change their first name. >.>; I can help if you're looking for a certain meaning (I can also tell you what their names mean XD; ).
When it comes to surnames, or clan names, of the non-royal people there are some "pointers". Being of a family is very important, especially if you want a higher position. XD; While you can take other names three important clans, who held the top posts and had most say at this time, were...
Fujiwara ("wisteria meadow") – descended from the Nakatomi clan, the founder being given the surname by Emperor Tenji (mid 7th century).
Taira ("peace") – was a hereditary clan name bestowed by the emperors of the Heian Period to certain ex-members of the imperial family when they became subjects.
Minamoto ("beginning/origin") – was one of the honorary surnames bestowed by the Emperors of Japan of the Heian Period on those of their sons and grandsons who were not considered eligible for the throne.
As you can see, there are two clans who are decsendant frm royalty and despite this fact, it was the Fujiwara who held the most power at the time. Ironic, huh?
Titles and positions:shinnou – "prince" (lit., relative-prince), a title bestowed upon a member of the imperial household/family that was eligible for succession
naishinnou – "princess" (literary, inside/inner relative-prince) the female equivalent of shinnou
sesshou – "regent"
kanpaku – "regent" (a regent to a ruler past maturity)
daijou daiji – "Chancellor of the Realm" the leader and commander-in-chief (you could say) for the Daijou-kan (Department of the State), which housed the different ministries
sadaijin – "Senior Minister (of the State)" (lit. Minister of the Left), the "right hand" of the Daijou Daijin (or simply "Chancellor")
udaiji – "Junior Minister (of the State)" (lit. Minister of the Right), the deputy of Sadaijin
naishinokami – (lit. esteemed servant) the Naishinokami (always female, mind you) was in charge of all the administrative matters in the inner palace. She worked closely with the emperor and could even become his wife. (Sadly, I have no real translation for this title except for maybe "(Inner Palace/great) administrator" so the Japanese title is best to use.)
...There are more of these dorks (of the bureaucracy) but unless someone wants to know or wants a lower position... I won't
gnaw your ears off XD; put it up. ^^
Era: Heian period (794-1185 CE)
Noted for: The "golden age" of the Japanese Imperial court, but it's also noted for its art, especially poetry and literature, and the Chinese influence being at their peak.
-There were children of noble birth serving at the court, acting as messengers and/or letter deliverers (especially). This was so that they may have some knowledge when they later entered court as perhaps officials, giving them credit and higher rank. (This manga of mine mentions them with an accompanying note about why they were there as I said above. These children, by the looks of it, could be anything from around 6 and up to 10 to 12 years old.)
-Letters were written on paper, which was then folded and placed in a small box with a lid. Around the box was a cord tied (probably for "sealing" reasons) and the sender could also send a flower along with the letter, especially if it was from a woman or had to do with feelings and/or courtship.
-The emperor was called "okami" (the character combination means "high lord" but the pronunciation indicate the emperor's divine position) or "mikado-sama" but when addressing the emperor it was the former title. Never was his name used when speaking to him.
-Half of the time, the emperor was hidden behind sudare (bamboo blinds/screens) to shield him from his subjects. In seiryouden however, a building in which the emperor could hold audiences among other things, the emperor did not have blinds or any other sort of shielding device unless they were put up. Not even his own children did sometimes even speak to him face to face. (Nor with their own mother, the children that is.)
-The famous books known as “The Pillow Book” and “The Tale of Genji” have not yet been written.
-It was under the Heian period that the samurai began to rise. They were originally warriors employed by the emperor and nobility, sent to provincial areas for a fixed four-year term as a magistrate or hired as protectors (to cut the history lesson short).
Trivia and ignored facts:Daigo had 21 empresses, imperial consorts, and concubines and he also had 36 imperial sons and daughters. ^^;;; But we shall cut down on that number. Ahahaha. I’m sure you understand why. >_>;;
:'D If you look in the background on my pics above you may see that there are different kinds of flowers that all mean something in the Japanese Language of Flowers. I have references and can help you, if you want, with finding a special flower, and its meaning, that fits your character or situation you need/want it for. ^^ *really likes the hanakotoba* It's fun. XD;
Useful words:
(these are all about interior and furniture, which could be useful to undersand what kind of setting we have and what it looks like. Most of these have a wikipedia article too)
byoubu – (lit. "wind wall") are folding screens made from several joined panels, with decorative paintings and calligraphy, used to separate interiors, and enclose private spaces, amid other uses. They were tied together using silk cords.
makura byoubu – (lit. "pillow screen") 50cm (1f 8in) high screens, usually two or four panels, used in bedrooms as a rack for clothes and other accessories, and also to preserve privacy. (But we can just call them makura screens/folding screens. ^^)
shouji – a type of sliding door/screen used to divide rooms or act as just that, doors. They were made either completely of wood, and thus rather heavy, or wood and washi paper (very thin but tough paper).
sudare – are screens or blinds made of bamboo meant to protect the house and its occupants from the elements but also from the eyes of an outsider. During the Heian Era, a court lady would conceal herself behind a screen when speaking with a man outside her immediate family (when he came and visited her that is, you can’t walk around with a portable set wherever you need to go). She could peep through it and see her interlocutor, but because he had to remain at a distance from it, he could not see her. Only with her permission might he step closer and only she would ever raise the screen. When not down, they were rolled up and fastened with silk cords.
Note: they did not have chairs, really. They sat at the floor or at cushions at most.
