梅一輪いちりんほどの暖かさ
ume ichirin ichirin hodo no atatakasa
one plum blossoms
means one step closer
to warmth
—Ransetsu
(Trans. David LaSpina[1])
("Red Plum Blossom in the Moonlight" by Hiroshige)
In Japan the plum blossoms aren't as big a deal as they are in China, but they may well be the most popular flower after the cherry blossoms. At one time in Japanese history they were actually more popular than the cherry blossoms; even today many older people prefer them, mainly because going plum blossom watching is a much more quiet affair than going cherry blossom watching.
They are thought to be a signal that spring will very soon be here, and also loved for their very sweet fragrance. They are also thought to protect against evil, and for that reason most traditional houses have a plum tree in the northeast corner of the yard, which is the direction evil is said to come from.
The plum blossoms are starting to bloom in Japan as I write this. I think you can probably find similar sentiment to this haiku everywhere currently: Almost spring! Almost warmer weather! Finally!
| David LaSpina is an American photographer and translator lost in Japan, trying to capture the beauty of this country one photo at a time and searching for the perfect haiku. |
That is, me! If you like this translation, feel free to use it. Just credit me. Also link here if you can. ↩