伯耆
Hoki Province
伯耆国 · ほうき
Province
Sanindo Circuit
Kanji Literal Meaning
"Elder Uncle's Sickle"
True Etymology
The characters mean 'elder/chief uncle' (伯) and 'sickle' (耆, actually an archaic character meaning 'old/elder'). These are phonetic for 'Hōki,' a name of uncertain pre-Yamato origin. The province may derive its name from an ancient tribal leader or geographic feature.
Alternative Theory
Hōki is home to Daisen (大山), the highest peak in the Chugoku region, often called the 'Fuji of the West' (伯耆富士). The mountain's cultural significance defined the province's identity, though the name 'Hōki' predates its mountain worship traditions.
Key Facts
| Circuit (道) | Sanindo |
|---|---|
| Reading | ほうき |
| Active Period | Ancient-1868 |