Next some things I found interesting that I read in the lull between dumping parts 1 and 2.
Concerning the wagtail (sekirei):
Most distinctively found with the black-and-white pattern, being black along the back, then black on the chest area, with the lower portion of the body white.
Wild speculation:
In japanese, to be black means to be guilty (of a crime, sin…). The wagtail is black on the back and chest. It carries guilt on its back and has guilt buried in its heart.
The wagtail in the edo period is said to be the inspiration for the hokushin ittouryuu, a sword style by Chiba Shuusaku Narimasa, one of the last to earn the title of sword saint. The style is characterized by having as little wasteful movement as possible. Instead of being
tense and applying strength when crossing blades, the style favors
relaxing the body to allow a
wider range of motion in riposte.
I added bold so I don't have to repeat myself in wild speculation.
The wagtail is also the bird of happy marriages, having been involved in the creation myth of japan, helping Izanagi and Izanami. It's the bird that signals autumn, inspiration in haiku, fearless in confrontation, and you can read more about it's importance and symbolism in japanese culture here:
https://shichijuniko.exblog.jp/32272139/Post too long. Click here to view the full text.
