Historically the Hakama was meant to protect a horseman's legs from brush, similar to a cowboy's leather 'chaps.' Horse-bound samurai continued to wear the Hakama as it was distinctive and set them apart from the common foot-soldiers.
There are often seven pleats identified in the Hakama and have been given symbolic meaning, often identified as:
Yuki - courage, valor, bravery
Jin - humanity, charity, benevolence
Gi - justice, righteousness, integrity
Rei - etiquette, courtesy, civility
Makoto - sincerity, honesty, reality
Chugi - loyalty, fidelity, devotion
Meiyo - honor, reputation, dignity
I read an article in today's edition of USA Today titled "Football hero replays tackle of armed girl." It described an incident where a young man displayed the true Samurai value of Yuki when he put his own safety at risk when he tried to calm an agitated young girl waving a gun on a bus and then tackled her and took away the gun before anyone was injured.
Having the wherewithal to remain calm under such duress, showing concern for others and finding a way to resolve a serious situation reminds you that there are wonderful and caring young individuals in the world!
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