Difference between revisions of "Haiku"
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==Definition== | ==Definition== | ||
| − | A haiku is a traditional Japanese short poem written in a 5 7 5 syllabic structure and usually broken up into two or three lines. The themes of a haiku often revolve around nature and seasons. To be a proper haiku, it must contain a season word ''kigo'' which indicates which season the haiku is set in. | + | A haiku is a traditional Japanese short poem written in a 5 7 5 syllabic structure and usually broken up into two or three lines. The themes of a haiku often revolve around nature and seasons. To be a proper haiku, it must contain a season word ''kigo'' which indicates which season the haiku is set in. Additionally, each of the lines must be a thought on its own. |
== Example == | == Example == | ||
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This is one of the most translated Japanese haikus[http://www.bopsecrets.org/gateway/passages/basho-frog.htm] | This is one of the most translated Japanese haikus[http://www.bopsecrets.org/gateway/passages/basho-frog.htm] | ||
| − | One translation of this poem is: | + | One translation of this poem by Lafcadio Hearn is: |
Old pond | Old pond | ||
frogs jumped in | frogs jumped in | ||
sound of water. | sound of water. | ||
| − | In this case, the frog is the season word which references spring.[http://www.xs4all.nl/~daikoku/haiku/meguri/kuhi-2.htm] | + | In this case, the frog is the season word which references spring.[http://www.xs4all.nl/~daikoku/haiku/meguri/kuhi-2.htm] Here, the translator decided to work to preserve the essence of the Japanese rather than enforce a strict pattern to it. |
Revision as of 19:55, March 29, 2007
Definition
A haiku is a traditional Japanese short poem written in a 5 7 5 syllabic structure and usually broken up into two or three lines. The themes of a haiku often revolve around nature and seasons. To be a proper haiku, it must contain a season word kigo which indicates which season the haiku is set in. Additionally, each of the lines must be a thought on its own.
Example
Matsuo Bashô: Frog Haiku
Furu ike ya kawazu tobikomu mizu no oto
This is one of the most translated Japanese haikus[1] One translation of this poem by Lafcadio Hearn is:
Old pond frogs jumped in sound of water.
In this case, the frog is the season word which references spring.[2] Here, the translator decided to work to preserve the essence of the Japanese rather than enforce a strict pattern to it.