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, also , , and , are Japanese emblems used to decorate and identify an individual or family. While ''mon'' is an encompassing term that may refer to any such device, ''kamon'' and ''mondokoro'' refer specifically to emblems used to identify a family. An authoritative ''mon'' reference compiles Japan's 241 general categories of ''mon'' based on structural resemblance (a single ''mon'' may belong to multiple categories), with 5116 distinct individual ''mon'' (it is however well acknowledged that there exist lost or obscure ''mon'' that are not in this compilation).〔日本の家紋大全 梧桐書院 ISBN 434003102X〕 Some 6939 ''mon'' are (listed here ). The devices are similar to the badges and coats of arms in European heraldic tradition, which likewise are used to identify individuals and families. ''Mon'' are often referred to as crests in Western literature; another European heraldic device similar to the ''mon'' in function. ==History== ''Mon'' may have originated as fabric patterns to be used on clothes in order to distinguish individuals or signify membership in a specific clan or organization. By the twelfth century, sources give a clear indication that heraldry had been implemented as a distinguishing feature, especially for use in battle. It is seen on flags, tents, and equipment. Like European heraldry, ''mon'' were initially held only by aristocratic families, and were gradually adapted by commoners. On the battlefield, ''mon'' served as army standards, even though this usage was not universal and uniquely designed army standards were just as common as ''mon''-based standards. (cf. ''sashimono'', ''uma-jirushi'') ''Mon'' were also adapted by various organizations, such as merchant and artisan guilds, temples and shrines, theater troupes and even criminal gangs. In an illiterate society, they served as useful symbols for recognition. Japanese traditional formal attire generally displays the ''mon'' of the wearer. Commoners without ''mon'' often used those of their patron or the organization they belonged to. In cases when none of those were available, they sometimes used one of the few ''mon'' which were seen as "vulgar", or invented or adapted whatever ''mon'' they wished, passing it on to their descendants. It was not uncommon for shops, and therefore shop-owners, to develop ''mon'' to identify themselves. Rules regulating the choice and use of ''mon'' were somewhat limited, though the selection of ''mon'' was generally determined by social customs. It was considered improper to use a ''mon'' that was known to be held by someone else, and offensive to use a ''mon'' that was held by someone of a high rank. When ''mon'' came into conflict, the lower-ranked person sometimes changed their ''mon'' to avoid offending their superior. The ''mon'' held by the ruling clans of Japan, such as Tokugawa's hollyhock ''mon'' and the Emperor's chrysanthemum ''mon'', were legally protected from unauthorized usage. Occasionally, patron clans granted the use of their ''mon'' to their retainers as a reward. Similar to the granting of the patron's surnames, this was considered a very high honor. Alternatively, the patron clan may have added elements of its ''mon'' to that of its retainer, or choose a completely different ''mon'' for them. 抄文引用元・出典: フリー百科事典『 ウィキペディア（Wikipedia）』 ■ウィキペディアで「Mon (emblem)」の詳細全文を読む スポンサード リンク
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