Recalling the travels to Asuka

“The whole world is a series of miracles, but we're so used to them 
we call them ordinary things.”

 (Hans Christian Andersen)

The south side of Asuka from the Amakashi Hill

Each day is made of something special which we take for granted.

We've missed many special, important things due to the new coronavirus, 
but still each day is a special occasion I learn something new. 

I believe in human miracles which have overcome and revived from the shattered community 
by wars, natural disasters, or plagues throughout history.

Now I’m amazed with such a mass behavioral change
 that majority of people change habits drastically without strict orders
but merely requests from the prefecture and central government leaders.
(Mandatory order is impossible under the Constitution.)
We won’t regret doing responsible action but will regret that we don't do it sooner and thoroughly.

That attitude can flatten the curve of infections so that our health care workers work as safely
and efficiently as possible, and save time for the vaccine to be invented as well.

 Chinese Milk Vetches

About them, I posted Where have gone the nostalgic flower carpets?

The warmth like early summer after the cold April is tempting for a trip,
but I'll recall my past travels to Asuka where I can feel ancient miracles and mysteries.
Asuka is a small village in the countryside, birthplace of Japanese civilization,
where Buddhism first flourished after its entry in 6^th Century.
Travelling around rolling hills and green fields of Asuka is soothing.

At the Amakashi hill, after a little prayer to the stone Buddhist statues, ....

... my husband and I walked up to the observatory (148m) in the dappled shadows
and the fresh verdure of the late April, 2016.

Looking closer, you surely find lovely critters here and there.

A village looked down from the north side of the hill

It is believed that the residence of Soga Emishi and his son Soga Iruka 

was located on the hill. 

The Soga clan were the dominant political power during most of 
the former part of Asuka Period (528-710). 

When Soga Iruka was assassinated in 645 (Isshi Incident), 
the clan's political domination came to an end 

and the Japanese political landscape changed dramatically. 

The former site of the imperial palace, where the assassination took place, 

was visible from the hill. 
It is now buried under the rice paddies.

The stage of ancient loves, power struggles, and tragic legends

During the Sakura season in the beginning of April, 2019,
 golden yellow rape blossoms and pale pink cherry blossoms compliment each other

at the former site of Fujiwara Palace (694-710).

On saying "see you next year" to cherry blossoms and to Asuka,

how could I imagine the current state of the world

in spite of the knowledge that all the realms of being are uncertain?

The Dawn of Japan

Women in the Asuka period (2)

The Empress who made Japan - Empress Jito

Historical facts in story form with related sites
(1)Suiko, Japan's first empress

More posts about Asuka, here.

Linked to Mosaic Monday
Our World Tuesday