Origins and Popularity Of Haiku
Haiku poetry is a traditional form of Japanese poetry, originating in the late 16th century. Its differentiating feature is that the poem is made up of three distinct sections, the first two of which are five syllables in length and the last seven, thus forming a total of 17 syllables. It is a concise form of poetry which encapsulates a moment in time, such as a beautiful view or a certain emotion, and offers emphasis on nature and its changing seasons. Due to its popularity in Japan, haiku has spread across the world and is enjoyed by people everywhere.
The Japanese Masters Of Haiku
The most famous writers of haiku are without a doubt the Samurai-age Japanese poets Bashō, Buson, and Issa. These masterful poets have left behind some of the most influential works of haiku in history. They used their individual skills in writing to create a unique style of poetry that focused not only on the present moment, but featured a special emphasis on nature and its changing cycles. Bashō was especially well known for his importance on focusing on the season and atmosphere that he was writing about. He developed a style of haiku which his followers adopted and is admired by poets today.
Famous Examples Of Haiku Poems
One of the most famous haiku poem, which is attributed to Bashō, is simply entitled “old pond” and reads as follows: “The old pond/A frog leaps in/The sound of water”. This poem encapsulates the famous Japanese tradition of haiku, focusing on a moment in time and fashioning a scene that is both simple and precisely conveyed. This poem has been praised by poets and literature enthusiasts across the world.
Another example of a popular haiku poem is one by the poet Buson, often considered the second-most influential haiku poet. His poem reads: “In the Autumn hills/An old traveller slowly fades away/Even the crow is silent”. Buson is known to emulate the idea of mortality and ageing through his works, expressed in this short poem with a sorrowful but powerful message.
Popular Haiku Writers Today
Although Bashō, Buson, and Issa are considered the founding fathers of haiku, today the genre has numerous popular writers all around the world. Newer poets, such as Jack Kerouac, Matsuo Bashō (no relation to the famous Japanese poet, however), and Gary Snyder, have contributed crucial works to the genre; modernizing, albeit building on the work of the older poets. Today, new books and collections of haiku poetry are released every year and many cities around the world organize haiku-reading events and activities.
Conclusion
Haiku poetry has been gaining popularity across the world for centuries, spurred by its contemporary masters and the works of the Samurai-age poets. Its form of 17 syllables and a focus of nature are the two most identifiable and sought after elements of haiku poetry. Although Bashō, Buson, and Issa are often the main names associated with the genre, currently there are numerous modern haiku poets who contribute to the genre. As reading and writing of haiku poetry continues to evolve and spread, it is likely the genre will captivate and awe many more readers for centuries to come.
