What is neko? This phenomenon is considered typical anime. Outwardly, it looks like a man with cat ears and a tail. The word "neko" or "neka" itself is translated from Japanese as "cat / cat". It can be pronounced in any variant - both "neka" and "neko". You can also use the word "nek" - it will be in the masculine gender.
Neko in Japanese mythology
What is neko in Japanese mythology? These are tailed, restless and very interesting creatures that can talk. They were taken as the basis for the anime. This character arose on the basis of myths about three animals that could turn into a person. This is a fox, a cat and a raccoon dog. Mostly some are girls. Why exactly them? Yes, you just pay attention to how anime girls are drawn, and you will immediately understand what neko is in anime. They look very much like cats there, so it’s not even worth inventing anything new. Cat girls are very sexy and cute, this character is guaranteed to be appreciated by the stronger sex. Of course, in anime culture you can see a certain male character, but he is much less common.
Characteristic features of some
Let's start with the ears. Ears can be drawn at any angle and anywhere on the head. They can be of any size. Be black or white or match your hair color. Inside, the ears are mostly painted pink, but this is not at all necessary. It is impossible to say exactly what a certain is by the ears, here you can not limit your imagination. There are no strict restrictions on the ponytail. The most important thing is that it even remotely resembles a cat. As a rule, it is drawn smooth (since fluffy tails are not particularly suitable for humans) and the same color as the ears. Now hands. Sometimes they are drawn with gloves, and the legs are in the form of cat paws. Their color is the same as that of the tail and ears.
Anime some
What is a neck if it doesn't have bells? This is impossible to imagine. Bells are drawn wherever possible - on the paws, neck, ears, and so on. This is a tradition and must be followed. After all, it is believed that cats like various jingling things.
Maneki Neko
What is a maneki-neko? This is a very popular Japanese talisman. This talisman has many names - “inviting cat”, “calling cat”, “money cat”. But they all have one thing in common - good luck will definitely settle in your house. If you translate the expression "maneki-neko" literally from Japanese, then it means "beckoning cat." This talisman is a ceramic or porcelain figurine of a cat with a raised paw. These figurines can be found in a variety of versions and anywhere. Maneki-neko also differ in color. It also matters which foot is raisedcat. In the classic version, this is a figurine of a white cat with a raised left paw, a coin in the other paw and a red collar with bells.
What do the colors and meanings of raised legs mean
If the cat's left paw is raised, then such a talisman is designed to lure visitors, clients and guests. The raised right paw symbolizes good luck and money. If two paws are raised, then, accordingly, this talisman has the effect of both options described above.
Now about flowers. The classic white figurine attracts we alth and money to your home. Sometimes they are found with spots on the paws. Red maneki, in addition to good luck, will attract he alth to your home. The pink talisman calls love to your home. Black maneki protects him from evil, evil spirits and troubles. The golden talisman attracts we alth, but not always money. For example, it can be intellectual or spiritual values.
History of Maneki Neko
The history of the maneki neko talisman supposedly dates back to the Edo period (1603-1867). But for the first time this talisman was mentioned in documents that belonged to the Meiji era, namely in a newspaper for 1876. According to one of the existing theories regarding the appearance of the maneki-neko, this talisman was invented by the government due to a ban on the open use of a sexual symbol to attract visitors to the houses of courtesans and "Merry Houses". And then, instead of an enticing woman, the “enticing woman” began to be used.cat.”
Regarding the raised paws, too, not everything is clear. The fact that the right raised paw attracts good luck, and the left one - money, is a moot point. Because different provinces say differently. In addition, the meaning of the paws has changed many times over time, so a talisman with two raised paws is an excellent compromise solution. There is an opinion that the higher the paw is raised, the more luck the talisman will attract to your home.
The very image of the maneki has very significantly influenced modern Japanese culture, including the character Hello, Kitty! Maneki in one of the toys of this brand plays the role of an artifact that increases strength. There is a book Manekineko written by Bruce Sterling. In it, the gesture of the talisman's paw is a symbol of a secret trade network that is based on artificial intelligence.
