What are the different theories on the origin of the name 'Mount Fuji'?
The Origin of the Name "Mount Fuji"
Hello! There's no definitive answer to the origin of the name "Mount Fuji," but several fascinating theories exist. Let’s categorize them:
First, a key point: The modern Chinese characters "富士" (fù shì) are likely later phonetic approximations (called ateji in Japanese), chosen for their sound rather than meaning—similar to using "Coca-Cola" for the drink's Chinese name. Therefore, understanding its source stems from the ancient pronunciation "Fuji."
Theory 1: From Ainu Language, the Mountain of the "Fire God" (The Most Authoritative Theory)
This is currently considered the most credible explanation by linguists and historians.
The Ainu, indigenous people of ancient northern Honshu and Hokkaido, referred to "fire" or the "hearth goddess" (home fire deity) as "Fuchi" or "Huchi".
Consider that Mount Fuji is a massive active volcano that frequently erupted in ancient times. For people who revered nature and spirits, it was natural to see this fiery mountain as the "home of the fire god" or the "fire god itself." Thus, "Fuchi" gradually evolved into the modern "Fuji."
This theory is well-supported by evidence and aligns with Fuji's volcanic nature, making it the most widely accepted.
Theory 2: From Ancient Japanese, the "Unequaled" Mountain
This poetic theory is very much in tune with Japanese aesthetics.
In ancient Japanese, the pronunciation "Fuji" corresponds to the characters "不二" (fuji), meaning "no second" or "unique", "unequaled."
Mount Fuji presents a near-perfect symmetrical cone from any angle, majestic and unparalleled among Japan's mountains. Thus, the ancients praised it as the "Unequaled Mountain," later shortened to "Fuji."
Theory 3: Also from Ancient Japanese, the "Never-Ending" or "Inexhaustible" Mountain
Similar to the previous theory, this also stems from the ancient Japanese pronunciation of "Fuji."
"Fuji" can also correspond to the characters "不尽" (fuji), meaning "unending", "inexhaustible.".
This can be interpreted in several ways:
- The mountain's vastness: Signifying its immense, unbroken form.
- The perpetual snow: Mount Fuji's peak is perpetually snow-capped, suggesting it never truly melts.
- The volcanic activity: Ancient eruptions, with constant smoke and fumes, gave the impression of endless energy.
This explanation is also plausible, imbued with reverence for nature.
Theory 4: From Mythology, the "Immortal" Mountain (The Most Romantic Tale)
This theory originates from one of Japan's oldest tales—The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter (the story of Princess Kaguya).
At the end, Princess Kaguya returns to the moon but leaves the Emperor an "elixir of immortality" (「不死の薬」 Fushi no Kusuri). The Emperor, deeply in love and feeling immortality meaningless without her, commands his army to take the elixir to "heaven's nearest mountain" and burn it.
The soldiers climb a high mountain in Suruga Province (now Shizuoka Prefecture) and burn the elixir and the Emperor's letter at the summit. Henceforth, the mountain is called "Immortality Mountain" (Fushi no Yama), with the pronunciation gradually shifting to "Fuji." Legend holds that the smoke and clouds often seen atop Fuji stem from that burning elixir.
While mythological, this story is hugely popular in Japan, adding a richly romantic and mysterious aura to Mount Fuji.
To Summarize
In short:
- The Most Scientific Explanation: Likely from the Ainu word "Fuchi / Huchi" (Fire God).
- The Most Poetic Explanation: From the ancient Japanese words "Unequaled" (不二) or "Inexhaustible" (不尽).
- The Most Romantic Explanation: From the "Elixir of Immortality" (不死) in The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter myth.
Though no single theory is definitive, it is this blend of interpretations that fills the name "Mount Fuji" with its captivating historical, cultural, and mythical charm. Next time you see Fuji, remember these fascinating stories—woven from myth, history, and legend—behind its name!