In the Edo period, the concept of "pure" was not just a simple yearning for "pure things", but on a deeper level, it carried an aesthetic sense and a code of conduct.
At that time, the Tokugawa shogunate consolidated its power through the "Confessional Pilgrimage System," which forced the daimyo of each feudal kingdom to live in Edo for a long time, weakening its financial power. This policy not only stabilized the shogunate's rule, but also promoted economic and cultural exchanges throughout the country. Among them, the imbalance in the ratio of men and women has led to the prosperity of tourism, and the pursuit of "purity" has gradually emerged in society.
The "Confessional System," which required daimyos to travel between the feudal domains and Edo every year, not only weakened the feudal kingdom, but also promoted the prosperity of commerce and the standard of living in the Edo region.
In addition, stipulating the time of the daimyo in Edo reduced their presence in the feudal domain and effectively prevented rebellion against the shogunate.
With the improvement of living standards, practitioners such as Edoko advocated a heroic beauty, focusing on vitality and charm, and formed a unique aesthetic.
In the context of relative economic stability, in order to pursue "purity", they spend money like dirt and do not stick to details.
This dedication is also reflected in the culture of the game, where they are willing to pay a huge amount of money in order to laugh at the city.
In the context of a society with an imbalanced ratio between men and women, the emergence of Edoko solved the physiological problems of men who were unable to marry wives.
This pursuit of "purity" is not only reflected in the external beauty, but also includes an inner vitality and pride. Edoko was the new identity of the samurai class in peacetime, and although the saber was retired, the pride in his heart remained undiminished, giving a new meaning to "pure"—rebellion.
"Pure" is not only an aesthetic sense, but also a code of conduct.
The people of Edo Town, in an environment where fires are frequent, show an open-minded attitude towards money, believing that money is just an object. Their outlook on life tends to be indifferent rather than subordinate, and they pay attention to righteousness. Under the rule of the shogunate's indifference to them, the Edo townspeople learned to be self-sufficient and enjoy life.
The concept of "pure" evolved during the Edo period, and although it was originally a pursuit of "pure things", people's positions changed as the times changed.
However, as an aesthetic consciousness and code of conduct, "sina" has always permeated the daily lives of people in the Edo period.