People are spreading a LOT of cultural misinformation on what the...

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People are spreading a LOT of cultural misinformation on what the red beads in the back cover are

Googling to pick the most “romantic” version of cultural symbols is REALLY weird. It’s not a cord bracelet - it’s likely a ref to a Buddhist mala w 40 beads instead of 108 📿

🧵 +

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the truth is that we don’t KNOW what it could be, because it’s not particularly the same design as other Buddhist red beads.

Japan does have a “red string of fate” concept - but this is not red string. Chinese red cord bracelets may signify marriage, but this is not red cord

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It looks similar in design to a Buddhist mala, but even that feels very loose (maybe bc it’s adapted for a fantasy AU)

Red malas symbolize courage, power and drive. This so far feels like the most fitting visual representation of the back cover, and the meaning fits Katsuki too

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What they most LIKELY are, are Miyuki seed beads. They’re uniform, consistent, brilliant, and have a long, LONG history in japanese jewellery making and culture.

And even THIS could be wrong! We don’t actually know what beads Hori has used, what the symbolism is behind it!

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The cord colour is NOT red, it’s very specifically white, so please don’t use red cord descriptions specifically just to match your HCs.

There’s no way of knowing what Hori was planning, it could mean anything, but white cords do have their own significance!

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Buddhist malas usually have 108 beads on them and are involved in meditative practices. This explanation on counting breaths and beats also fits with what Katsuki does in this volume with measuring his heart beats.

This cover has 40 beads. For volume 40! That’s probably all 😭

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I know people want to have fun, and make things about bkdk, and attach meaning to symbols. But please just remember not to inflate and cherry pick cultural elements for YOUR benefit!!! 

The red string of fate already absolutely plays into Hori art - just look at Edgeshot’s cords

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Hori has also done the rope ankle bracelets before which does have its own meaning too.

I don’t think having “fun” with cultural iconography is it guys. There’s probably no “right” meaning to it, but there’s absolutely some wrong ones, cuz that is NOT a bracelet

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It’s really frustrating to see people not even TRY to do any research to find out more about what it means and just pick the first meaning that works for the ship, culture isn’t something to play around with like that 😭😭😭 just be considerate WHILE you’re having fun, that’s all

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It’s extra frustrating bc if you combine

White cord: graduation, release of previous life on new journey
Red beads: courage, power and drive
Mala: meditative practice to count beats

You get a very GOOD representation of Katsuki’s revival themes. And it’s being overlooked 😭

People are spreading a LOT of cultural misinformation on what the...

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