Kashiwa-Ten: Chicken Tempura Delicacy - Fotografia de stock

This enticing image showcases a serving of kashiwa-ten (かしわ天) chicken tempura. Kashiwa (かしわ) is a Japanese word for chicken. It is most commonly used in the Kyushu and western Honshu regions of Japan. The notion that Buddhism influenced Japanese people to avoid the term "chicken" and adopt "kashiwa" in its place is a fascinating aspect of Japanese history and culture. While there's no definitive historical record directly attributing this shift to Buddhism, there's evidence suggesting a possible connection. In ancient Japan, chickens were considered sacred animals, often associated with Shinto deities and revered for their role in divination and rituals. However, the introduction of Buddhism in the 6th century brought about a new perspective on animal life, emphasizing compassion and non-violence. Buddhism's reverence for all living beings extended to animals, promoting vegetarianism and discouraging the consumption of meat. As Buddhism gained prominence, the consumption of chicken, especially for religious purposes, gradually declined. The term "kashiwa" emerged as an alternative to "chicken," possibly stemming from the Japanese word for oak tree (樫), due to the resemblance of oak leaves to chicken feathers. This linguistic substitution allowed people to refer to chicken without directly using the term that carried religious significance. Over time, the usage of "kashiwa" became more widespread, particularly in Buddhist contexts, gradually replacing "chicken" in everyday language. This linguistic shift reflected the growing influence of Buddhism on Japanese culture and its emphasis on non-violence and respect for all living beings.