_O-Haru_ "Spring."
_O-Natsu_ "Summer."
_O-Aki_ "Autumn."
_O-Fuyu_ "Winter."
_O-Asa_ "Morning."
_O-Cho_ "Dawn."
_O-Yoi_ "Evening."
_O-Sayo_ "Night."
_O-Ima_ "Now."
_O-Toki_ "Time,"--opportunity.
_O-Toshi_ "Year [of Plenty]."
Names of animals--real or mythical--form another class of _yobina_. A
name of this kind generally represents the hope that the child will
develop some quality or capacity symbolized by the creature after which
it has been called. Names such as "Dragon," "Tiger," "Bear," etc., are
intended in most cases to represent moral rather than other qualities.
The moral symbolism of the _Koi_ (Carp) is too well-known to require
explanation here. The names _Kame_ and _Tsuru_ refer to longevity.
_Koma_, curious as the fact may seem, is a name of endearment.