#50
May, 2004 |
This page is written monthly by Harumi Okochi,
and sometimes Harumi's friends join.
We'd be happy if you look at
our previous issues.
#1 GREETING |
Botan (Peony) |
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Ode to Peony
Noh-play "Shakkyou"
Red lion and White lion (not seen here)
dance in intoxication by peonies.
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May!
Blossoms and flowers and fresh green leaves!
Among them, the Botan (peony) is always the King of all flowers.
This flower came to Japan with the Chinese culture more than a thousand
years ago. Since then it has always allured people as the symbol of wealth
and power.
You might think it interesting. In Japanese (Chinese) imagination, LIONS
love PEONY. You will see the combination of lion and peony in Noh-play,
Kabuki, and paintings.
The beauty of peony, of course, attracts artists and poets.
Haikus, Tankas and paintings have paid tributes to Peony.
Shall we look at the flower with some of the famous Japanese haikus on
peony?
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The peony
made me measure it
with my fan.
Kobayashi
Issa
Ooginite shakuwo toraseru botan kana |
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On all sides
the peony wards off
rain clouds.
Yosa
Buson
Ho hachiri amagumo yosenu botan kana.
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They call this flower white peony,
Yes, but
A little red.
Takahama
Kyoshi
Hakubotan to iuto iedomo beni honoka. |
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From the heart
of the sweet peony,
a drunken
bee.
Matsuo
Basho
Botanshibe hukaku wakeizuru hachino nagorikana. |
Peony falling -
dropped
overlapping
two or three petal
Yosa
Buson
Botan chirite uchikasanarinu nisanben |
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A sole peony
bright in the room
I lie feeble.
Masaoka
Shiki
Ichirin no botan kagayaku byoma kana.
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There is a Peony Garden in the suburbs of Karatsu. The photos above I took there in April, 2004.
I hope someday in early summer you will visit and see many kinds of peonies
of the world.
Thank you, and see you next month!
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Thank you very much for visiting this page.
I hope you will return next month.
Yours, Harumi Okochi
Proprietress of Ryokan Yoyokaku
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Mail to Harumi Okochi |
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