Cherry trees from Japan around the Tidal Basin in Washington, DC.

For other uses see Kigo disambiguation Download high resolution version (640x981, 268 KB) Wikipedia does not have an article with this exact name. ... Download high resolution version (640x981, 268 KB) Wikipedia does not have an article with this exact name. ...

Kigo (season word(s), from the Japanese 季語, kigo) are words or phrases that are generally associated with a particular season. Kigo were originally used in the longer linked-verse form known as renga, and especially in the opening verse of a renga, the hokku, to indicate the season when the stanza is set. They are valuable in providing an economy of expression for the very short Japanese poetry known as haiku to indicate the season in which the poem is set. This article or section is in need of attention from an expert on the subject. ... This article or section is in need of attention from an expert on the subject. ... In poetry, a stanza is a unit within a larger poem. ... Grave of the Japanese poet Yosa Buson Waka and Kanshi, Chinese poetry written in Chinese, were the two great pillars of traditional Japanese poetry. ... Shut up Nick, youre wrong. ... This article or section is in need of attention from an expert on the subject. ... Poetry (ancient Greek: poieo = create) is an art form in which human language is used for its aesthetic qualities in addition to, or instead of, its notional and semantic content. ...

History of kigo

Representation of and reference to the seasons has always been important in Japanese culture and poetry. The first anthology of Japanese poetry, the mid 8th century Man'yōshū, had several sections devoted to the seasons. By the time of the first imperial Japanese anthology, the Kokinshū, a century and a half later (AD 905) the season sections had become a much larger part of that anthology. Both of these anthologies also had sections for other categories, such as love poems and miscellaneous (zō) poems. The culture of Japan has evolved greatly over the years, from the countrys original Jomon culture to its contemporary hybrid culture, which combines influences from Asia, Europe and North America. ... Grave of the Japanese poet Yosa Buson Waka and Kanshi, Chinese poetry written in Chinese, were the two great pillars of traditional Japanese poetry. ... (7th century — 8th century — 9th century — other centuries) Events The Iberian peninsula is taken by Arab and Berber Muslims, thus ending the Visigothic rule, and starting almost 8 centuries of Muslim presence there. ... ManyōshÅ« , Collection of Ten Thousand Leaves) is the oldest existing, and most highly revered, collection of Japanese poetry, compiled sometime in the Nara or early Heian periods. ... This article or section is in need of attention from an expert on the subject. ... An anthology, literally a garland or collection of flowers, is a collection of literary works, originally of poems. ... The Kokin Waka ShÅ« ), usually abbreviated as KokinshÅ« ), is an early Heian waka Imperial anthology, conceived by Emperor Uda (r. ... Alternate meaning: Area code 905 Events Births Deaths Categories: 905 ...

The writing of the linked verses of renga started in the middle of Heian period (roughly 1000) and developed through the medieval era. By the 13th century there were very set rules for the writing of renga, and the formal structure of renga specified that about half of the stanzas were supposed to include a reference to a specific season depending upon their place in the renga. These rules also said that the hokku (the opening stanza of the renga) must include a reference to the season in which the renga was being written. A lighter form of renga called haikai no renga ("playful" linked verse) was introduced near the end of the 15th century; thus haikai was the linked verse practice followed and elevated by Matsuo Bashō and others until the Meiji Era (1867-1912). Near the end of the 19th century, the hokku, the opening verse, was completely separated from the context of haikai no renga by Masaoka Shiki and revised and written as an entirely independent verse form, though retaining the kigo. In the Taishō Era (1912-1925) a movement began to drop the kigo entirely. Today, however, most Japanese haiku still contain a kigo, although some may omit it. Many haiku written in languages other than Japanese may omit kigo. This article or section is in need of attention from an expert on the subject. ... The following text needs to be harmonized with text in the article History of Japan#Heian Period. ... Europe in 1000 The year 1000 of the Gregorian Calendar was the last year of the 10th century as well as the last year of the first millennium. ... (12th century - 13th century - 14th century - other centuries) As a means of recording the passage of time, the 13th century was that century which lasted from 1201 to 1300. ... In poetry, a stanza is a unit within a larger poem. ... This article or section is in need of attention from an expert on the subject. ... Haiku by Shiki at Horyu-ji (temple): kaki kueba kane ga naru nari Hōryū-ji I bite into a persimmon and a bell resounds— Hōryūji —trans. ...

Following scholarly precision, the term haikai is used here for the pre-Shiki form and haiku for the post-Shiki form, though popular usage often anachronistically applies haiku to both pre- and post-Shiki verse. Much of what is said here of kigo use in haiku applied to haikai (and the hokku of renga) as well.

Kigo and seasons

A jack-o'-lantern lit by a candle inside.

Kigo are words or phrases that can be strongly associated with a particular season, or sometimes the association can be more subtle. Pumpkins (kabocha), for example, are a winter squash that is associated with the fall harvest. Furthermore, for people living in the United States, pumpkins are also associated with the Jack-o'-lanterns of Halloween. A little later in the year pumpkins are also associated with the pumpkin pies that are often part of the Thanksgiving Day dinner along with turkey and cranberries. Download high resolution version (840x804, 96 KB)Photograph of a Jack-o-lantern File history Legend: (cur) = this is the current file, (del) = delete this old version, (rev) = revert to this old version. ... Download high resolution version (840x804, 96 KB)Photograph of a Jack-o-lantern File history Legend: (cur) = this is the current file, (del) = delete this old version, (rev) = revert to this old version. ... For the film, see Pumpkin (film). ... Species - hubbard squash, buttercup squash - cushaw squash C. moschata- butternut squash C. pepo- most pumpkins, acorn squash, summer squash References: ITIS 223652002-11-06 Hortus Third Squashes are four species of the genus Cucurbita, also called pumpkins and marrows depending on variety or the nationality of the speaker. ... This article or section does not cite any references or sources. ... Look up Harvest in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ... Jack-o-lanterns may be carved with a friendly face, above, a menacing sawtooth scowl, or any look in between. ... Halloween, or Halloween, is a holiday celebrated on the night of October 31, most notably by children, who, in a tradition commonly known as trick-or-treating, dress in costumes and go door-to-door to collect sweets, fruit, and other gifts. ... Pumpkin pie Wikibooks Cookbook has an article on Pumpkin Pie Pumpkin pie is a traditional North American dessert usually made in the late fall and early winter, especially for Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. ... Thanksgiving, or Thanksgiving Day, is an annual one-day holiday to give thanks, traditionally to God, for the things one has at the end of the harvest season. ... “Cranberries” redirects here. ...

The full moon as photographed by the Galileo spacecraft.

But why is the moon (tsuki) an autumn kigo since it is up in the sky all year long? Autumn is when the days are getting shorter and the nights are getting longer but are still warm enough to stay outside, so you are more likely to notice the moon. Often the night sky will be free of clouds so that also helps with noticing the moon. Autumn is also the time when the full moon can help farmers work under the moonlight to harvest their crops (see harvest moon). [For more on the moon as a kigo see below]. Download high resolution version (1986x1986, 393 KB) Wikipedia does not have an article with this exact name. ... Download high resolution version (1986x1986, 393 KB) Wikipedia does not have an article with this exact name. ... Galileo being deployed after being launched by the Space Shuttle Atlantis on the STS-34 mission Galileo was an unmanned spacecraft sent by NASA to study the planet Jupiter and its moons. ... This article is about Earths moon. ... This article or section does not cite any references or sources. ... For other uses, see Full Moon. ... For other uses, see Harvest Moon. ... Cherry trees from Japan around the Tidal Basin in Washington, DC. For other uses see Kigo disambiguation Kigo (season word(s), from the Japanese 季語, kigo) are words or phrases that are generally associated with a particular season. ...

Japanese seasons

In the Japanese calendar, seasons traditionally followed the lunisolar calendar with the solstices and equinoxes at the middle of a season. Having the seasons centered on the solstices and equinoxes also used to be the European tradition with midsummer equivalent to the summer solstice (usually 21 June), and Midsummer Day (24 June) as a quarter day in England, Wales, and Ireland. (The astronomical definition of seasons, however, has the seasons beginning at a solstice or equinox.) The traditional Japanese seasons are: Koinobori, flags decorated like koi, are popular decorations around Childrens Day This mural on the wall of a Tokyo subway station celebrates Hazuki, the eighth month. ... A lunisolar calendar is a calendar whose date indicates both the moon phase and the time of the solar year. ... “Summer solstice” redirects here. ... Illumination of the Earth by the Sun on the day of equinox, (ignoring twilight). ... Midsummer may refer to the period of time centered upon the summer solstice and the diverse celebrations of it around the world, but more often refers to European celebrations that accompany the summer solstice, or to Western festivals that take place in June and are usually related to Saint John... is the 172nd day of the year (173rd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Midsummer may refer to the period of time centered upon the summer solstice and the diverse celebrations of it around the world, but more often refers to European celebrations that accompany the summer solstice, or to Western festivals that take place in June and are usually related to Saint John... is the 175th day of the year (176th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... In British and Irish tradition, the quarter days were the four dates on which servants were hired, and rents and rates were due. ... For other uses, see England (disambiguation). ... This article is about the country. ... This article or section is in need of attention from an expert on the subject. ...

Cherry blossoms (sakura), often simply called blossoms (hana) are a common spring kigo.

Spring: 4 February—5 May

Summer: 6 May—7 August

Autumn: 8 August—6 November

Winter: 7 November—3 February

For kigo, each season is then divided into early, mid, and late periods. For spring, these would be: Cherry tree blossoms from Japan around the Tidal Basin in Washington, DC. USDA photo by Scott Bauer. ... Cherry tree blossoms from Japan around the Tidal Basin in Washington, DC. USDA photo by Scott Bauer. ... “Cherry Blossom” redirects here. ... is the 35th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 125th day of the year (126th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 126th day of the year (127th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 219th day of the year (220th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 220th day of the year (221st in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 310th day of the year (311th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 311th day of the year (312th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 34th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ...

Early Spring: 4 February—5 March (February)

Mid-Spring: 6 March—4 April (March)

Late Spring: 5 April—5 May (April)

is the 35th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... This article is about the day. ... is the 65th day of the year (66th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 94th day of the year (95th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 95th day of the year (96th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 125th day of the year (126th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ...

Saijiki

A sunflower, a typical sign of summer.

the A-Bomb Dome in Hiroshima was near ground zero in August 1945.

Japanese haiku poets often use a book called a saijiki, which is like a dictionary or almanac for kigo. An entry in a saijiki usually includes a description of the kigo itself, plus a list of similar or related words, and then a few examples of haiku that include that kigo. The saijiki are divided into the four seasons (and modern saijiki usually include a section for the New Year and another section for Seasonless (Muki) words). Those sections are divided into a standard set of categories, and then the kigo are sorted within their proper category. The most common categories (with some examples of both Japanese and international summer kigo) would be: Download high resolution version (768x1024, 108 KB)http://pdphoto. ... Download high resolution version (768x1024, 108 KB)http://pdphoto. ... For other uses, see Sunflower (disambiguation). ... Hiroshima Prefectural Promotion Hall (the A-Bomb dome), the closest building to have withstood the atom bomb blast in Hiroshima. ... Hiroshima Prefectural Promotion Hall (the A-Bomb dome), the closest building to have withstood the atom bomb blast in Hiroshima. ... The Japanese city of Hiroshima ) is the capital of Hiroshima Prefecture, and the largest city in the Chūgoku region of western Honshū, the largest of Japans islands. ... For other uses, see Dictionary (disambiguation). ... An almanac (also spelled almanack, especially in Commonwealth English) is an annual publication containing tabular information in a particular field or fields often arranged according to the calendar. ... The New Year is an event that happens when a culture celebrates the end of one year and the beginning of the next year. ...

Summer

• The Season - midsummer; dog days
• The Sky and Heavens - sunset, rainbow, the Pleiades at dawn
• The Earth - waterfall, summer field or summer meadow (i.e. the abundance of summer wildflowers)
• Humanity - nap or siesta, sushi, sunbathing, nudity, swimming pool
• Observances - A-Bomb Anniversary (August 6th), Dominion Day (July 1st, Canada)
• Animals - jellyfish, mosquito, snakes, cuckoo
• Plants - lotus flower, orange blossoms, lily, sunflower

Notice that although haiku are often thought of as poems about nature, that two of the seven categories are primarily about human activities (Humanity and Observances). Midsummer may refer to the period of time centered upon the summer solstice and the diverse celebrations of it around the world, but more often refers to European celebrations that accompany the summer solstice, or to Western festivals that take place in June and are usually related to Saint John... Dog Days or dog days of summer are typically the hottest and most humid times of the year. ... A composite image showing the terminator dividing night from day, running across Europe and Africa. ... For other uses, see Rainbow (disambiguation). ... For alternate meanings see Pleiades (disambiguation). ... This article does not adequately cite its references or sources. ... For other uses, see Wildflower (disambiguation). ... For other uses, see Sleep (disambiguation). ... A painting of a young woman taking a siesta. ... Many types of sushi ready to be eaten. ... Prism splitting light High Resolution Solar Spectrum Sunlight in the broad sense is the total spectrum of the electromagnetic radiation given off by the Sun. ... “Clothes free” redirects here. ... This article needs additional references or sources for verification. ... The mushroom cloud over Hiroshima after the dropping of Little Boy. ... is the 218th day of the year (219th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Dominion Day is a commemoration day of the granting of national status in various Commonwealth countries. ... is the 182nd day of the year (183rd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... For other uses, see Jellyfish (disambiguation). ... For other uses, see Mosquito (disambiguation). ... Infraorders and Families Alethinophidia - Nopcsa, 1923 Acrochordidae- Bonaparte, 1831 Aniliidae - Stejneger, 1907 Anomochilidae - Cundall, Wallach & Rossman, 1993 Atractaspididae - Günther, 1858 Boidae - Gray, 1825 Bolyeriidae - Hoffstetter, 1946 Colubridae - Oppel, 1811 Cylindrophiidae - Fitzinger, 1843 Elapidae - F. Boie, 1827 Loxocemidae - Cope, 1861 Pythonidae - Fitzinger, 1826 Tropidophiidae - Brongersma, 1951 Uropeltidae - Müller, 1832... Genera See text. ... Species Nelumbo lutea (American Lotus) Nelumbo nucifera (Sacred Lotus) Nelumbo is a genus of water flowers commonly known as lotus (Hindi: कमल) and the only genus in the family Nelumbonaceae. ... Binomial name (L.) Osbeck Orange—specifically, sweet orange—refers to the citrus tree Citrus sinensis (syn. ... lily is the best name in the whole wide world. ... For other uses, see Sunflower (disambiguation). ...

Common kigo in Japanese haiku

Japan is long from north to south, so the seasonal features vary from place to place. The sense of season in kigo is however based on Kyoto and its vicinity, since the classical literature of Japan developed mainly in this area, especially up to the early part of the Edo period (the early 17th century). [For a larger list of both Japanese and International kigo, see the List of kigo article.] Kyoto )   is a city in the central part of the island of HonshÅ«, Japan. ... The Edo period ), also called Tokugawa period, is a division of Japanese history running from 1603 to 1868. ... (16th century - 17th century - 18th century - more centuries) As a means of recording the passage of time, the 17th century was that century which lasted from 1601-1700. ... This is a list of Kigo, which are words or phrases that are generally associated with a particular season. ...

[note: An asterisk (*) after the Japanese name for the kigo denotes an external link to a saijiki entry for the kigo with example haiku that is part of the "Japanese haiku: a topical dictionary" website.]

Spring

• Spring (haru) - the name of season is a kigo or season word. Other combinations are Spring begins (Haru tatsu), Signs of Spring (haru meku), Sea in the spring (haru no umi), Spring being gone (Yuku haru). Higan of Spring (春彼岸, haru higan, literary beyond the border of this world), one week around Spring Equinox (shunbun) has a significant period for Buddhists to soothe their ancestors' souls and grave-visiting as well as Higan of Autumn.
• February (kisaragi or nigatsu), March (yayoi or sangatsu) and April (uzuki or shigatsu). The third month (sangatsu) in the Japanese calendar is equivalent roughly to April in the Gregorian calendar, therefore End of March (yayoijin) is equal to End of Spring (haru no hate).
• Warm (atatakashi or nurumu) - all spring - as the weather changes from the cold of winter, any warming is noticed. Also Water becomes warm (mizu nurumu).
• Spring mist or Spring haze (kasumi) - all spring - the daytime haze of spring. The night-time haze during spring that can obscure the moon is called oboro. Haruichiban, the first strong southerly wind of spring is used as kigo in the modern haiku.
• ume blossom - early spring
• uguisu (鶯, Japanese bush warbler (sometimes translated as Japanese nightingale), Cettia diphone) - early spring - the bird is used as an example of sweet sounds. Uguisu were mentioned in the preface to the Kokinshū. It is often associated with ume blossoms and new growth in early Japanese waka and is regarded as a harbinger of spring (春告鳥, harutsugedori, literary "bird that announces the arrival of spring").
  

  
• cherry blossoms (sakura) and cherry blossom-viewing (hanami) - late spring (April) - for the Japanese, cherry blossoms are such a common topic that in just mentioning blossoms (hana) in haiku it is assumed they are cherry blossoms. Blossom-viewing is an occasion for partying with friends or coworkers.
• Hanamatsuri (Blossom Festival), Buddhist festival celebrating the birth of Buddha, on 8 April.
• frogs (kawazu) - all spring (February-April) - noted for their loud singing
• skylarks (hibari) - all spring - noted for their songs in flight, swallows (tsubame) mid-spring, twittering (saezuri) - all spring - the chirping of songbirds
• Hinamatsuri (Girl's Day) Doll Festival and Hina (doll) - a traditional Japanese festival for girls on 3 March.

The cicada (semi) is a common late summer kigo.

This article does not cite any references or sources. ... Koinobori, flags decorated like koi, are popular decorations around Childrens Day This mural on the wall of a Tokyo subway station celebrates Hazuki, the eighth month. ... The Gregorian calendar is the most widely used calendar in the world. ... WARM is an American adult contemporary radio station based in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania broadcasting at 103. ... Dramatic morning mist Mist is a phenomenon of a liquid in small droplets floating through air. ... Haze is an atmospheric phenomenon where dust, smoke and other pollutant particles obscure the normal clarity of the sky. ... Binomial name Prunus mume Siebold & Zucc. ... Binomial name Cettia diphone (Kittlitz, 1830) The Japanese Bush Warbler 鶯(ウグイス) (Cettia diphone) is a passerine bird more often heard than seen. ... Binomial name Luscinia megarhynchos (Brehm, 1831) This article is about the bird. ... The Kokin Waka Shū ), usually abbreviated as Kokinshū ), is an early Heian waka Imperial anthology, conceived by Emperor Uda (r. ... Binomial name Prunus mume Siebold & Zucc. ... Waka (和歌) or Yamato uta is a genre of Japanese poetry. ... Japanese nightingale note05. ... “Cherry tree” redirects here. ... “Cherry Blossom” redirects here. ... Hanami parties along the Kamo River. ... A silhouette of a Buddha statue at Ayutthaya, Thailand. ... Media:Example. ... April 8 is the 98th day of the year (99th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Distribution of frogs (in black) Suborders Archaeobatrachia Mesobatrachia Neobatrachia - List of Anuran families The frogness babe is an amphibian in the order Anura (meaning tail-less from Greek an-, without + oura, tail), formerly referred to as Salientia (Latin saltare, to jump). ... Binomial name Alauda arvensis Linnaeus, 1758 The Skylark (Alauda arvensis) is a small passerine bird. ... Genera Many, see text. ... Seven-tiered Hina doll set The Japanese Doll Festival ), or Girls Day, is held March 3, the third day of the third month. ... is the 62nd day of the year (63rd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... From [1]. A National Park Service photo. ... From [1]. A National Park Service photo. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ...

Summer

koinobori - ornament of Tango no sekku. Early summer.

• Summer (natsu); other combinations are Summer has come (natsu kinu), End of summer (natsu no hate). Summer holidays (natsu yasumi) means mainly the school holiday.
• May (satsuki or gogatsu), June (minazuki or rokugatsu), July (fumizuki, fuzuki or shichigatsu)
• hot (atsushi), hotness (atsusa) and hot day (atsuki hi); also, anything related to the heat, including sweat (ase) and in contemporary haiku, air conditioning (reibō)
• wisteria (fuji), hana tachibana (wild orange blossoms) and iris (ayame) - early summer (May), lotus (hasu or hachisu) - mid and late summer.
• Rainy season (tsuyu) - the Japanese rainy season, usually starting in mid June.
• hototogisu (Little Cuckoo - C. poliocephalis) - all summer (May-July) - the hototogisu is a bird in the Cuckoo family noted for its song
• cicada (semi) - late summer (July) - known for their cries
• Tango no sekku traditional festival for boys on May 5. See Hinamatsuri in Spring for the girls festival. Festival (matsuri) is applied to summer festivals of Shintoism for pulification. Traditionally it meant the fest of Kamo Shrine in Kyoto, however as kigo it can be applied to each local Shinto festival.

Download high resolution version (1024x1536, 277 KB) Wikipedia does not have an article with this exact name. ... Download high resolution version (1024x1536, 277 KB) Wikipedia does not have an article with this exact name. ... This article or section is in need of attention from an expert on the subject. ... Species See text. ... Species See text Iris is a genus of between 200-300 species of flowering plants with showy flowers which takes its name from the Greek word for a rainbow, referring to the wide variety of flower colors found among the many species. ... Look up lotus in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ... Hototogisu can refer to either: A bird native to Japan A literary magazine External links Hototogisu (bird) Hototogisu (magazine) This is a disambiguation page — a navigational aid which lists other pages that might otherwise share the same title. ... Genera See text. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... Tango No Sekku (May 5) May 5th is the Tango no Sekku (端午の節句), Boys Festival in Japan. ... is the 125th day of the year (126th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... For other uses, see Festival (disambiguation). ... A pair of torii gates at the Shimogamo Shrine The Kamo Shrines, Kamigamo Jinja ) and Shimogamo Jinja ) are a pair of Shinto shrines in Kyoto, Japan. ...

Autumn

Grapes (budō) are a fruit typically harvested in Autumn.

• Autumn (aki); other combinations are Autumn has come (aki tatsu), Autumn is ending (aki tsuku), Autumn being gone (yuku aki).
• August (hazuki or hachigatsu), September (nagatsuki or kugatsu) and October (jūgatsu or kamnazuki). The ninth month (kugatsu) in the Japanese calendar is equivalent roughly to October in the Gregorian calendar, therefore End of September (kugatsujin) is equal to End of Autumn (kure no aki).
• Typhoon (taifu or nowaki), thunder (kaminari)
• Milky Way (amanogawa, lit. "river in the heaven"), because in the autumn it is most visible in Japan. It is associated with Tanabata.
• moon (tsuki) - all autumn (August-October), and moon-viewing (tsukimi) mid-autumn (September) - the word "moon" by itself is assumed to be a full moon in autumn. (Moon-viewing and leaf-viewing (momijimi or momijigari) in autumn (along with snow-viewing (yukimi) in winter and cherry blossom-viewing (hanami or sakuragari) in spring) are common group activities in Japan.)
• Insects (mushi), mainly it implies singing insects. Also crickets (kōrogi) - all autumn (August-October) - noted for the singing of the males

scarecrow in early autumn paddy field.

• Nashi pear (梨 nashi), Chaenomeles (boke no mi), peach (momo), persimmon (kaki), apples (ringo) and grapes (budō) are examples of fruit that are used as autumn kigo.
• colored leaves (momiji) - late autumn (October) - a very common topic for haiku along with related topics such as first colored leaves (hatsu momiji) mid-autumn, shining leaves (teri momiji) late autumn, leaves turning color (usumomiji) mid-autumn, leaves start to fall (momiji katsu chiru) late autumn, etc. Leaf-viewing (momijigari) is a common group activity.
• Scarecrow (kakashi), rice cropping (inekari) - rice harvest and relevant things are significant for Japanese life.
• Autumn Festival (akimatsuri) - Autumn festival is mainly in the purpose of the thanksgiving for harvest. Other feasts in the Autumn, including Tanabata (the festival of the weaver maiden and the herdsman in the Heavenly Court), Grave-Visiting (haka mairi), and Bon Festival (ancestors' spirits come home to share the ceremonial and festival time with descendent family, urabon-e) - all early autumn (August) - are kigo as well as associated ornaments and activities like small bonfires called mukae-bi (welcome-fire for ancestors' spirits) and folk dancing (bon odori).

Image File history File links Download high resolution version (640x937, 159 KB) Commercial vineyards have planted more than one million of the ARS-developed Crimson Seedless grapevines. ... Image File history File links Download high resolution version (640x937, 159 KB) Commercial vineyards have planted more than one million of the ARS-developed Crimson Seedless grapevines. ... It has been suggested that Veraison be merged into this article or section. ... This article or section does not cite any references or sources. ... Koinobori, flags decorated like koi, are popular decorations around Childrens Day This mural on the wall of a Tokyo subway station celebrates Hazuki, the eighth month. ... The Gregorian calendar is the most widely used calendar in the world. ... Cyclone Catarina, a rare South Atlantic tropical cyclone viewed from the International Space Station on March 26, 2004. ... Thunder is the sound made by lightning. ... This article refers to the Milky Way galaxy, for the Milky Way as the hazy band of white light visible from Earths surface, see Milky Way (astronomy) For other uses, see Milky Way (disambiguation). ... This article is about Earths moon. ... For other uses, see Full Moon. ... Orders Subclass Apterygota Archaeognatha (bristletails) Thysanura (silverfish) Subclass Pterygota Infraclass Paleoptera (Probably paraphyletic) Ephemeroptera (mayflies) Odonata (dragonflies and damselflies) Infraclass Neoptera Superorder Exopterygota Grylloblattodea (ice-crawlers) Mantophasmatodea (gladiators) Plecoptera (stoneflies) Embioptera (webspinners) Zoraptera (angel insects) Dermaptera (earwigs) Orthoptera (grasshoppers, etc) Phasmatodea (stick insects) Blattodea (cockroaches) Isoptera (termites) Mantodea (mantids) Psocoptera... Subfamilies See Taxonomy section Crickets, family Gryllidae (also known as true crickets), are insects somewhat related to grasshoppers and more closely related to katydids or bush crickets (order Orthoptera). ... Scarecrow Japan Paddy Field I took this photograph and contribute it to the public domain. ... Scarecrow Japan Paddy Field I took this photograph and contribute it to the public domain. ... Binomial name Pyrus pyrifolia (Burm. ... Species Chaenomeles cathayensis Chaenomeles japonica Chaenomeles speciosa Chaenomeles is a genus of three species of deciduous spiny shrubs, usually 1-3 m tall, in the family Rosaceae. ... Binomial name (L.) Batsch Percentages are relative to US recommendations for adults. ... Species See text A Persimmon is any of a number of species of trees of the genus Diospyros, and the edible fruit borne by them. ... For other uses, see Apple (disambiguation). ... It has been suggested that Veraison be merged into this article or section. ... During the autumn months, many deciduous trees experience a bright color change in their leaves before the leaves fall. ... Scarecrows in a rice paddy in Japan For other uses, see Scarecrow (disambiguation). ... For other uses, see Festival (disambiguation). ... People dressed in yukata at Tanabata Tanabata ), meaning Seven Evenings) is a Japanese star festival, derived from Obon traditions and the Chinese star festival, Qi Xi. ... Illuminated by the Albuquerque Bridge, Japanese volunteers place candle lit lanterns into the Sasebo River during the Obon festival. ... A bonfire or balefire is a large controlled outdoor fire made from bales of straw or wood. ...

Winter

Fallen leaves (ochiba), a symbol of winter.

• Winter (fuyu), using "winter" in a haiku adds a sense of chilliness (literally and figuratively), bleakness, and seclusion to the poem.
• November (shimotsuki or jūichigatsu), December (shiwasu or jūnigatsu) and January (mutsuki or ichigatsu)
• Cold (samushi) and Coldness (samusa).
• fallen leaves (ochiba) and dry leaves (kareha) - all winter (November-January) - just as colored leaves are a clear sign of autumn, fallen leaves are a sign of winter.
• snow-viewing (yukimi) - late winter (January) - a popular group activity in Japan. Also first snow (hatsu yuki) mid winter, snow (yuki) late winter, and ice (kōri) late winter.
• fugu soup (fugujiru), anglerfish or sea-devil stew (ankō nabe), oyster (kaki) - seasonal dishes.
• Christmas - this is a modern kigo. It was not used in the Edo period, when Christianity was forbidden.
• Calendar vendor (koyomiuri) - preparation for the new year.
• New Year's Eve (ōmisoka or toshi no yo, literally "The end of year"), and the New Year's Eve party (toshiwasure).
• Kan (kan), days from 5 or 6 January until 4 or 5 February (literally coldness) - derived originally from the Chinese 24 seasonal periods. Also Daikan (great coldness) a day around 20 January, or Beginning of Kan season (kan no iri, 5 or 6 January).

Wikipedia does not have an article with this exact name. ... Wikipedia does not have an article with this exact name. ... Winter is one of the four seasons of temperate zones. ... Snow is a type of precipitation in the form of crystalline water ice, consisting of a multitude of snowflakes that fall from clouds. ... Snowflakes by Wilson Bentley, 1902 Ice is the name given to any one of the 14 known solid phases of water. ... For other uses, see Fugu (disambiguation). ... Suborders Antennarioidei Lophioidei Ogcocephalioidei See text for families. ... Crassostrea gigas, Marennes-Oléron Crassostrea gigas, Marennes-Oléron Crassostrea gigas, Marennes-Oléron, opened The name oyster is used for a number of different groups of mollusks which grow for the most part in marine or brackish water. ... Christmas is an annual holiday that celebrates the birth of Jesus. ... A page from the Hindu calendar 1871-72. ... New Years Eve is December 31, the final day of the Gregorian year, and the day before New Years Day. ... Ōmisoka ), New Years Eve, is the second-most important day in Japanese tradition because it is the final day of the old year and the eve of New Years Day, likewise the most important day of the year. ... January 5 is the 5th day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar. ... is the 6th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... February 4 is the 35th day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar. ... is the 36th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... January 20 is the 20th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... January 5 is the 5th day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar. ... is the 6th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ...

New year

This group of kigo is a modern invention. Before Japan began using the Gregorian calendar (in 1873), the Japanese New Year was at the beginning of spring. The Gregorian calendar is the most widely used calendar in the world. ... 1873 (MDCCCLXXIII) was a common year starting on Wednesday (see link for calendar). ... The kadomatsu is a traditional decoration for the new year holiday. ...

• Japanese New Year (正月 shōgatsu) * As in many other cultures, the Japanese New Year is an important time of year for celebrations and there are many activities associated with it that may be mentioned in haiku, including some "firsts": first sun (hatsuhi), first laughter (waraizome), and first calligraphy (kakizome). There is also New Year's Day (ganjitsu).
• first sparrow (hatsu-suzume) * - the first sparrow helps welcome the New Year.
• New Year's Day customs: kadomatsu * (a traditional decoration usually made of pine and bamboo that is place on the gate or outer doorway), otoshidama (the custom of giving pocket money to children), toso (a ritual mulled saké only drunk on New Year's Day).
• osechi (traditional Japanese New Year's Day food): zōni * (a traditional vegetable broth with mochi—sticky rice cakes. The ingredients for zōni vary greatly between regions in Japan.), seven herbs (nanakusa) and rice porridge with seven herbs (nanakusa gayu), eaten in the evening of 7 January (jinjitsu).

The kadomatsu is a traditional decoration for the new year holiday. ... The New Year is an event that happens when a culture celebrates the end of one year and the beginning of the next year. ... This article is about January 1 in the Gregorian calendar. ... A kadomatsu (門松), literally gate pine, is a traditional Japanese decoration of the New Year placed in pairs in front of homes to welcome ancestral spirits or kami of the harvest. ... O-toso and three sakazuki lacquered vermillion cups Toso ), or o-toso, is spiced medicinal sake traditionally drunk during New Year celebrations in Japan. ... Sake barrels at Itsukushima Shrine. ... Osechi (お節) is a traditional Japanese New Year meal. ... Look up Zoni in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ... Rice Cake Pounding mochi in an usu Making mochi with a modern piece of equipment Mochi (Japanese: ; Chinese: ) is a Japanese rice cake made of glutinous rice pounded into paste and molded into shape. ... The Festival of Seven Herbs ) is the long-standing Japanese custom of eating seven-herb kayu ) on Jinjitsu (January 7). ... is the 7th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Jinjitsu ( in Japanese) literally means Mankinds Day. It is a custom that was adopted from Chinese culture, which also has its own version of Jinjitsu ( ren2 ri4 in Mandarin). ...

Dispute on attribution

Switching from the old Japanese Calendar to the Gregorian Calendar brought about numerous changes in life in Japan. Even traditional events have been affected by this change. Since kigo is affiliated with the seasonal events, several modern haiku poets have had to reconsider the construction of kigo and its attribution to season. One of biggest changes was the creation of a "New Year" part as a seasonal sectioning of kigo.

One typical example is the case of Tanabata. Traditionally the date of Tanabata is 7th day of the 7th month of the Japanese calendar, therefore in August of the Gregorian one. Today in many places it is celebrated on 7 July, hence there is a dispute as to whether Tanabata should be treated as a summer kigo. Koinobori, flags decorated like koi, are popular decorations around Childrens Day This mural on the wall of a Tokyo subway station celebrates Hazuki, the eighth month. ... The Gregorian calendar is the most widely used calendar in the world. ...

Kigo outside of Japan

Although haiku started as a Japanese poetry form, it is now written around the world in many different languages. William J. Higginson's "Haiku World" (1996), which is the first international saijiki, has more than 1,000 poems, with over 600 poets from 50 countries writing in 25 languages. The writing of haiku around the world has only increased with the advent of the internet, where one can even find examples of haiku written in Latin, Esperanto, and Klingon, as well as numerous examples in more common languages. For other uses, see Latin (disambiguation). ...   is the most widely spoken constructed international auxiliary language. ... The Klingon language (tlhIngan Hol in Klingon) is the constructed language spoken by Klingons in the fictional Star Trek universe. ...

These international haiku poets have had to adapt the idea of kigo to their local conditions and culture. Many phenomena that might be used as kigo are similar around the world, such as the blooming of flowers and trees in the spring, and the migration of birds in the spring and autumn. Even if the trees and birds are not the same as in Japan, the concepts are still the same. For other uses, see Culture (disambiguation). ... Look up bloom in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ... Look up flower in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ... The coniferous Coast Redwood, the tallest tree species on earth. ... Flock of Barnacle Geese during autumn migration Bird migration refers to the regular seasonal journeys of varying distances undertaken by many species of birds. ...

On the other hand, climatic conditions can often be very different from what the Japanese are used to. The tropics, for example, are very different from the temperate climate of Japan and usually only have a wet or Monsoon season, and a dry season. The Tornado Alley area of the United States has its tornado season (peaking from late winter through mid summer, depending upon latitude). Areas with a Mediterranean climate, such as Western Australia, coastal California, and Spain have their summer Fire Season. On the other hand, in the Caribbean and the North Atlantic, plus surrounding areas, it is Hurricane Season during the summer and autumn months. A noontime scene from the Philippines on a day when the Sun is almost directly overhead. ... For the usage in virology, see temperate (virology). ... A wet season or rainy season is a season in which the average rainfall in a region is significantly increased. ... Monsoon in the Vindhya mountain range, central India A monsoon is a rainy season which lasts for several months and has lasting climatic effects. ... This article or section does not cite any references or sources. ... An outline of Significant Tornado Alley in the United States, where the highest percentage of violent tornadoes occur Tornado Alley is a colloquial term most often used in reference to the area of the United States in which tornadoes are most frequent. ... A tornado in central Oklahoma. ...  Areas with Mediterranean climate A Mediterranean climate is a climate that resembles the climate of the lands in the Mediterranean Basin. ... Official language(s) English Capital Sacramento Largest city Los Angeles Largest metro area Greater Los Angeles Area  Ranked 3rd  - Total 158,302 sq mi (410,000 km²)  - Width 250 miles (400 km)  - Length 770 miles (1,240 km)  - % water 4. ... A wildfire, also known as a wildland fire, forest fire, vegetation fire, grass fire, peat fire (gambut in Indonesia), bushfire (in Australasia), or hill fire, is an uncontrolled fire often occurring in wildland areas, but which can also consume houses or agricultural resources. ... “West Indian” redirects here. ... “Atlantic” redirects here. ... Cyclone Catarina, a rare South Atlantic tropical cyclone viewed from the International Space Station on March 26, 2004 Hurricane and Typhoon redirect here. ...

There are many local cultures around the world, but you can still find similarities and differences. One similarity is that many areas have harvest festivals with bonfires. One difference between locations is that for a bird that migrates, some places will view that bird as a winter resident, or as a spring and summer breeder, or as an autumn and spring migrant. For other uses, see Festival (disambiguation). ... For the AC/DC box set, see Bonfire (album) For the German band called Bonfire, see Bonfire (band) A bonfire (commonly mispronounced bombfire) is a large controlled outdoor fire made from bales of straw or wood. ... A basket style nest A nest is place of refuge built to hold an animals eggs and/or provide a place to raise their offspring. ... Flock of Barnacle Geese during autumn migration Bird migration refers to the regular seasonal journeys of varying distances undertaken by many species of birds. ...

For some examples of non-Japanese kigo, here are some from southern California:

• Heaven: Santa Ana winds (hot, dry winds that usually happen in winter), June gloom (heavy overcast that is usually found on the coast), Smog (an inversion layer over the Los Angeles basin makes the smog worse during the summer)
• The Earth: "Fire season" and Forest fires (from the very dry months of July and August through the early rains of winter there is the danger of fires in the local hills and mountains)
• Humanity: Surfing, Beach volleyball, Rollerblading, and Skateboarding (although these are activities that are now done around the world, their popularity started in southern California)
• Observances: Easter sunrise services in the Hollywood Bowl, Tournament of Roses Parade (on New Year's Day morning before the Rose Bowl college football game). El dia de los muertos (the Mexican Day of the Dead celebration on 1 and 2 November)

a large Jacaranda tree in full bloom.

• Animals: Grunion (a sardine-sized fish that spawns by laying its eggs in the sand at high tide near midnight), Whale watching (Pacific Gray Whales can be seen from the coast or on whale-watching boat trips as they go to and from their breeding lagoon in Baja California.)
• Plants: Jacaranda (an introduced ornamental tree found in many older neighborhoods that has an abundance of blue-purple flowers in mid-spring), desert wildflowers (the nearby deserts such as Joshua Tree National Park can be a carpet of wildflowers after a good rainy season)

Santa Ana Winds may refer to: 1. ... June Gloom (also May Gray) is a local term for a Southern California weather pattern that results in overcast skies with low to moderate temperatures during the early summer (sometimes referred to as May Gray when it occurs in late spring). ... It has been suggested that Haze be merged into this article or section. ... A temperature inversion is a meteorological phenomenon where air temperature increases with height. ... The Los Angeles Basin is the coastal sediment-filled plain located between the peninsular and transverse ranges in southern California in the United States containing the central part of the city of Los Angeles. ... A wildfire, also known as a wildland fire, forest fire, vegetation fire, grass fire, peat fire (gambut in Indonesia), bushfire (in Australasia), or hill fire, is an uncontrolled fire often occurring in wildland areas, but which can also consume houses or agricultural resources. ... For other uses, see Surfing (disambiguation). ... For the ball used in this sport, see Volleyball (ball). ... Roller skating girl in Rome, Italy (soul grind) Roller skating is travelling on smooth terrain with roller skates. ... A skateboarder performing a frontside lipslide Skateboarding is the act of rolling on or performing tricks with a skateboard. ... Topics in Christianity Movements · Denominations Ecumenism · Preaching · Prayer Music · Liturgy · Calendar Symbols · Art · Criticism Important figures Apostle Paul · Church Fathers Constantine · Athanasius · Augustine Anselm · Aquinas · Palamas · Wycliffe Tyndale · Luther · Calvin · Wesley Arius · Marcion of Sinope Pope · Archbishop of Canterbury Patriarch of Constantinople Christianity Portal This box:      Easter, the Sunday of... Hollywood Bowl in 2005. ... A float from the 2004 Rose Parade A close up of roses used to create a rose bowl parade float. ... This article is about January 1 in the Gregorian calendar. ... The Rose Bowl is an annual American college football game, usually played on January 1 at the stadium of the same name in Pasadena, California. ... A college football game between Colorado State and Air Force. ... This article needs cleanup. ... Fo