Daikokubashira (大黒柱 – Breadwinner)
Daikokubashira
大黒柱
In a traditional Japanese residence, we often set a very thick pillar in the center of the house.
日本民家には、中央に最も太い柱を配置することが多いです。
This pillar is called “daikokubashira” (大黒柱).
この柱は、「大黒柱」と言います。
“Daikokubashira” is composed of three kanji, “大” (big), “黒” (black), and “柱” (pillar), but it’s not usually black.
「大きくて黒い柱」と書きますが、実際には黒くはありません。
There are several theories about the etymology.
One is that it comes from “Daigokuden bashira” (大極殿柱), which is pillars in Daigokuden (大極殿).
(The Daigokuden is a main hall of Chodoin (朝堂院 – a state chamber of the Greater Imperial Palace).)
The other theory is that it comes from Daikokuten (大黒天), who is the god of wealth.
One is that it comes from “Daigokuden bashira” (大極殿柱), which is pillars in Daigokuden (大極殿).
(The Daigokuden is a main hall of Chodoin (朝堂院 – a state chamber of the Greater Imperial Palace).)
The other theory is that it comes from Daikokuten (大黒天), who is the god of wealth.
朝堂院の正殿「大極殿」の柱「大極殿柱」から来ているという説や、富を司る神である「大黒天」から来ているという説などがあります。
Because of the importance, “daikokubashira” also represents a person who supports a group such as family or country.
また、「大黒柱」はその重要性から、家族や国など集団の中心となり支える人のことを表します。
