The spelling of the word "maruta" can be a bit misleading when it comes to its pronunciation. In the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA), "maruta" is transcribed as /məˈruːtə/. The "u" in "maruta" is pronounced as "oo", while the "a" is pronounced as "uh". The stress falls on the second syllable, which is why the "u" is elongated. It's important to keep in mind the IPA transcription to properly pronounce the word "maruta" without confusion.
Maruta is a Japanese term that has a dark historical connotation. The word literally translates to "logs" in English. However, its true meaning and significance extend far beyond its literal translation. "Maruta" is associated with one of the most horrific events in modern history – the human experimentation conducted by the Imperial Japanese Army's Unit 731 during World War II.
Unit 731, under the guise of a lumber mill, carried out numerous unethical and brutal experiments on live human subjects, who were often referred to as "maruta." These experiments involved vivisection, biological and chemical warfare, frostbite testing, and other gruesome procedures, causing immeasurable suffering and death to countless individuals.
The term "maruta" has become a haunting symbol for the victims of Unit 731 and a symbol of the countless lives lost and destroyed during this dark chapter of history. Today, it is frequently used to remember and honor these victims and serves as a reminder of the atrocities committed during the war.
While "maruta" may have a literal translation of "logs," its dictionary definition encompasses a painful and tragic history. It is a term that carries immense weight and serves as a stark reminder of the brutalities of war and the importance of acknowledging and learning from past atrocities.
Mayweed, stinking chamomile, the flowers of Anthemis cotula, employed like chamomile, or anthemis.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "maruta" has its etymology in the Japanese language. Its origin can be attributed to the combination of two Japanese words: "maku" (間) meaning "interval" or "space" and "uta" (歌) meaning "song".