Introduction
Haiku poetry is a type of Japanese poetry characterized by three lines containing five, seven and five syllables respectively. Although haiku written in any language can be appreciated, its precise and concise structure has led to its use in all languages, making it widely enjoyed by readers internationally. This type of poetry is considered a sophisticated form due to its strict structure and content, prompting the reader to pause and reflect upon the brief thoughts left behind those simple words. In this article, we will discuss the history, purpose, and appeal of haiku poetry, in order to further understand its aim and appreciation.
History
Haiku is a form of traditional Japanese poetry which first gained popularity in the middle of the Edo period (early 17th – late 19th century). It is said to have originated from hokku, the opening verses of a linked poem composed by the great poet, Matsuo Bashō. The means of composing hokku and haiku were passed down orally, and each poet had to create their own way of writing haiku in order to explore the potential poetry as an art form. Since then, haiku has become an international phenomenon, with writers and poets of all ages and backgrounds writing or incorporating the verse into their work. In 2020, the British Haiku Society was established in order to foster and promote the art of haiku poetry in the UK and further afield.
Purpose and Expression
Haiku poetry aims to encapsulate a moment in three brief lines, which is often referred to as the “haiku moment”. It is said to capture the beauty and stillness of nature, which is often present in the theme and language used. The fifth and seventh lines often consist of juxtaposed images, or kireji, which is a figure of speech relatable to the poetic moment and the aforementioned beauty. Furthermore, it is a form of poetry which equally permits the expression of thought and emotion, which is accomplished through its brevity as a haiku usually consists of one single thought as opposed to longer form poems.
Appeal and Growth
Haiku poetry is well-loved by poets and readers alike for its combination of simplicity and depth. As a result, it has grown in popularity, seen through the rise of numerous groups, clubs, and even competitions. Thanks to its broad accessibility, it is enjoyed by all ages, regardless of their cultural background. The ease in form of haiku has also made it an ideal tool for people to express themselves in a way that requires certainty but is also open to interpretation. Therefore, it is also popular amongst school teachers who find that it is a great teaching aid to students of all ages, due to its creativity and visual potential.
Focus on Nature
When it comes to composing a haiku, its focus lies on the environment, expressing emotions or thoughts towards the beauty of nature. Furthermore, the idea that a haiku can give readers an opportunity to observe, reflect and capture their surroundings has added to the appeal of the poem. This could be achieved through the observation and comparison of a landscape with human feelings and experience. Although haiku does not define its content, nature is frequently the source of imagery, craft and ideas for Japanese poets.
Verse Style
The most distinctive form of writing a haiku lies in the structure, with each poem consisting of seventeen syllables divided into three lines which usually contain five, seven and five syllables respectively. This diverges from the normal form of Long Poems, and in turn, it requires a great level of precision and skill. The aim is to push the poet away from florid, melodious expressions and instead, enrich the reader’s mind through concise information. This approach reflects the Zen Buddhist belief that clarity and directness are the most effective means of apprehension, allowing the haiku to induce and evoke emotions through carefully chosen words and sentences – it also contributes to why it is such a poetic and popular form of expression.
Accessible Content
Although haiku has a quite distinctive structure, it does not limit its content to a restriction of ideas or topics. Haiku is often themed on the beauty of nature, however, it is now a form of writing used to discuss many other subjects, such as deep philosophical enquiry, or events in everyday life. To add, as a type of poetry, it can also be accompanied by haiga, a painting or drawing which captures the moment expressed in the poem. In addition, it continues to be an evolving form and adopted writing style, allowing endless scope to create and explore, making it truly accessible to all that come across it.
Education
The appreciation of succinct literature and meticulous forms of writing is one of the key benefits of haiku poetry which resonates deeply within the minds of its readers. This is why haiku has become an education tool for Japanese secondary school students, encouraging them to compose and practise their fundamental skills. In addition, as a tool for teaching, it can help students learn linguistic concepts, as well as the basics of comprehension, such as understanding the content, sentence structure, and more, which can be condensed over a period of time.
Sharing and Gaining Recognition
The popularity of haiku poetry has increased overtime and is now experienced through various platforms, such as social media, podcasts, magazines, and more. Numerous websites and challenges have been set up to discover and share the art of haiku and its forms such as tanka, renku and haibun. As technology develops, platforms like Twitter and Instagram have enabled poets to gain recognition as they share their work with the world, inspiring and blessing others through words. As writers become comfortable in the haiku form, they have also been able to acquire Global recognition through magazines and books, as many of them have their work published on a much larger scale than before.
Diversity
Due to its immense charm and capacity to express the human condition, haiku writing has attracted the interest of poets across the diverse fields of literature. This type of writing has been greatly pursued by authors from around the world, including African American, Latin American, and Indian poets. The primary source for inspiration for contemporary haiku poets is started from the spirit of traditional Japanese haiku. As its appreciation continues to grow, so does its diversity, as elements of contemporary poetry have been incorporated into the form, allowing it to become more vibrant and accessible.
Breaking Language Barriers
Although haiku is traditionally written in the Japanese language, with the number of international readers growing, the haiku form has been adapted and tailored to suit its readers. Poets from across the globe are crafting in the haiku style, which provides an opportunity to engage with readers from different cultural backgrounds. In some cases, the understanding of poetry does not rely on the language, but rather the images, scenarios, and emotions the words can help evoke. It is for this reason haiku remains enjoyable for readers regardless of the language and customs it involves.
Global Appreciation
Haiku is a form of poetry which is popular and adaptable to all contexts, as it spends more time coming from the heart than from the dictionary. It is particularly attractive today due to its short length, which makes it easier to read and write. As a result, haiku poetry has enjoyed appreciation from all around the world, regardless of the language or culture, allowing readers to truly understand the purpose and potential of the art form.
