At the end of the Heian Period (A.D. 794-1185), a new poetry trend developed among the aristocracy of Japan: the renga (連歌).
A renga (Japanese: Linked Poem) is exactly that: a set of linked verses. Two or more poets would create the poem: the first poet would choose a theme and create a hokku (発句), literally the "starting verse" of 5-7-5 syllables. The next poet would have to continue the theme, using a verse of 7-7 syllables. The next entry (be it the same poet or a new one) had to continue on the them, but again create a verse of 5-7-5; the following poet with a verse of 7-7, and so on.
A gathering of poets for such an event was called a renju, involving up to 7 or 8 poets. There was a Master, who would set the tone and oversee the aesthetic progression of the poem. There was a scribe, whose job it was to both write down the verses as they came as well as enforce the rules the particular genre. Each participant would recite their verse to the scribe, who had to check it for infractions of the rules before inscribing it (Often younger aspiring poets, they had to have a prodigious memory to quickly remember every verse and compare the current verse to the previous verses. They also had to serve as a master of ceremonies, as unlike earlier poetry, reiju could be attended by multiple social classes of people).
There, were, of course, multiple conventions: How the poems were to be transcribed (typically 4 sheets of paper front and back, with the first and last pages having 8 verses and the others 16 verses), the use of particular words such as a kireji (cutting word) and kigo (seasonal word). Some phrases could only be used once, some had to be repeated if the theme demanded it.
In A.D. 1356 the first renga anthology was published. The great rengu masters often traveled from place to place and were sought after as guests of honour for renga writing.
A renga from Willian Scott Wilson's A Beginner's Guide to Haku. This renga involved six poets:
where geese return
full of peace.
W. in CA
ReplyDeleteIt seems some of the greatest of all the different arts come from these ancient times. Beauty was sought through creative expression and appreciated. As time passes this apprears to be degraded by the pollution or perversion of our hearts. We are drawn to darkness due to our sin nature. Darkness hates the light. We want recognition so we can fill our pride bucket with a little more. Today, access to art is open to all, wickedness fills society with titilations, and corruption is on view for all. Social media leads us to the lowest common denominator. Anything good is ignored or attacked. The crowd is turning our brains to mush. Few think for themselves because it is a lonely walk if they do. I wonder if a renju could ever happen again? A few more followers on your Haiku page and maybe we could try it.
Hope your trip is going well. I look forward to what you are going to share TB. Happy travels, we miss you!
a non persona
ReplyDeleteI'm attempting my autobiography in short sketches.
I separate each entry with a haiku. The sketches are excruciating, the haiku pure joy.
Learned something new again today TB, thanks....as for pursuing renga, this is the stop I'm getting off at, one haiku is difficult enough for me....:) I do appreciate expanding my knowledge base even at this point in my life....same age as OAF.
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