Residential hall of traditional Japanese residence

The foyer of Japanese houses is very particular.

The formal entrance and exit of a general building is called "porch". When visiting traditional houses, guests first stop in front of the slightly solemn "porch" to tell their purpose, then pull open the sliding door and enter the flat land called "Sanhe Earth". The family greeted the guests in a small room facing the apartment. After the greeting, the guests took off their shoes and walked to a higher floor (called "Japanese platform") and were led into the inner room.

A "porch" is a space that separates indoor and outdoor. At the same time, it is also an indispensable space for Japanese who are used to taking off their shoes. Now even collective houses such as apartments are bound to have a "porch", although it is a simplified "porch".

"Xuan" was originally a Buddhist term, referring to the entrance of a Zen temple. However, it is said that the word also has a strict introduction to Zen. Monks who practice attach great importance to "porch" and regard it as the first step of monasticism. Around the17th century, samurai began to build a space with a "terrace" at the entrance of the mansion, and called it "porch". Later, some wealthy businessmen began to build "porches" in their houses. Gradually, "porches" spread to ordinary houses.

In modern times, "porch" is considered as the "holy land" with the highest style in the family. As the boundary between "inside" and "outside", "porch" can be said to be the "face" of every household, so people often decorate "porch" with flowers or other decorations. Because this is an important space, there are many rules.

For example, when visiting other people's homes, you must take off your coat and hat outside and put on your clothes before you can enter the "porch"; When you come back from the funeral, you should sprinkle some salt on your body to lead an honest and clean life, and then brush off the filth before you can enter the "Xuan"; Take off your shoes and pay attention to etiquette and rules. Take off your shoes, align your toes and face the door. At the same time, shoes should be placed slightly near the edge, not in the middle.