The Mon In Japan And The Family Crest In Europe
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MON are circular black and white
symbols that represent the family name of the warrior. They are similar
to CRESTS and COATS OF ARMS that the European Knights wore on their weaponry
and armour.
MON can be made out of METAL and embossed onto helmets. They can also be found printed and woven into cloth. Women wore their husbands MON this way. |
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MON are black and white because the armour of the
samurai warrior is extremely colourful and therefore black and white was
easy to see during battle.
MON are circular because the word for "circle" sounds the same as the Japanese word for whole or complete. This is considered to be good luck. |