Current location:International Insights news portal > sport
VOX POPULI: Celebrating the arrival of spring the same way as in ‘Tale of Genji’
International Insights news portal2024-05-21 15:41:49【sport】1People have gathered around
IntroductionFeb. 4 was “Risshun,” which marks the beginning of spring on the traditional Japanese lunar calendar
Feb. 4 was “Risshun,” which marks the beginning of spring on the traditional Japanese lunar calendar.
In a Japanese-style confectionery store in my neighborhood, I found “tsubakimochi,” camellia mochi rice cakes.
A camellia leaf is placed beneath the round mochi and another leaf covers the top, resembling a raccoon dog with a leaf on its head, which adds a charming touch.
With tsubakimochi, the mochi is sandwiched between camellia leaves rather than being wrapped like sakura mochi, which is probably due to the thickness of the leaves.
The history of camellia mochi dates to ancient times, appearing in “Genji Monogatari” (The Tale of Genji), a story written over a thousand years ago that depicts the lives and romantic endeavors of the aristocracy.
On a day with a bright, balmy sky around March, court nobles at the Rokujo-in--a stately mansion where Hikaru Genji, the protagonist of the story and the second son of an emperor, lived--played the traditional "kemari" ball-kicking game.
The story vividly depicts the young men sitting on mats afterward, playfully eating camellia mochi and fruits.
Back then, tsubakimochi was pronounced “tsubaimochii.”
Unlike today’s camellia mochi, which contains sweet bean paste, the Heian Period (794-1185) version was sweetened with concentrated plant juices.
It is considered one of the oldest documented “wagashi” Japanese-style confections.
What is amazing about “The Tale of Genji” is that the story has not only continued to be read and spoken about to this day, it has also seen repeated resurgences in its popularity.
A manga series based on the ancient novel titled “Asaki Yumemishi” by Waki Yamato, a female manga creator, was launched 45 years ago, and about 20 years later, Jakucho Setouchi’s (1922-2021) modern Japanese translation of the story became a best-seller.
Last month, Japan Broadcasting Corp. (NHK) debuted its new “taiga” drama year-long historical fiction TV series.
Called “Hikaru Kimi e” (To you, the shining lord), it features Murasaki Shikibu, the author of “The Tale of Genji,” as its protagonist.
When I glanced at a library’s shelves, I detected signs of a new Genji boom, with translations by Akiko Yosano (1878-1942) and others placed alongside “beginner’s guides” to reading the tale.
There were also books that reinterpret the story from feminist perspectives or shed light on its supporting characters.
What makes “The Tale of Genji” captivating is its diverse cast of characters, with whom modern readers can still empathize.
The camellia mochi scene is intricately woven with themes of forbidden love, demonstrating the timeless allure of this classical work.
--The Asahi Shimbun, Feb. 4
* *
*Vox Populi, Vox Dei is a popular daily column that takes up a wide range of topics, including culture, arts and social trends and developments. Written by veteran Asahi Shimbun writers, the column provides useful perspectives on and insights into contemporary Japan and its culture.
Address of this article:http://nepal.highlanderdistrict.org/article-18d599975.html
Very good!(61552)
Related articles
- Inquiry slams UK authorities for failures that killed thousands in infected blood scandal
- Raiders sign 1st
- South Sudan mediation talks launched in Kenya with a hope of ending conflict
- China and US resume cooperation on deportation as Chinese immigrants rush in from southern border
- Messi in and Dybala out in Argentina squad for pre
- Ikea recreates Doja Cat's avant
- China and US resume cooperation on deportation as Chinese immigrants rush in from southern border
- Utilities complete contentious land swap to clear way for power line in Mississippi River refuge
- Lynn Williams breaks NWSL goal
- Poland lifts immunity of a judge who defected to Belarus, paving way for an arrest warrant
Popular articles
- Company wins court ruling to continue development of Michigan factory serving EV industry
- GOP runoffs to determine nominees for Congress, lieutenant governor and auditor
- South Sudan mediation talks launched in Kenya with a hope of ending conflict
- Bungalow wars! Downsizers are in bidding battles against young families as prices soar
Recommended
Ricky Stenhouse punching Kyle Busch could lead to suspension
From Jabba the Hutt and Teletubby Hill to Drinking Dinosaur and the Wedding Cake
Raiders sign 1st
I lost my legs and almost died after using a tampon correctly
US overdose deaths dropped in 2023, the first time since 2018
NCAA removes cap on official recruiting visits in basketball to deal with unlimited transfers
China and US resume cooperation on deportation as Chinese immigrants rush in from southern border
I lost my legs and almost died after using a tampon correctly
Links
- Feature: Guardian of Marine Species in China's Hainan
- Rural Entrepreneur Helps Farmers Live Better Lives
- Pic Story of Flower
- Across China: Ethnic Bai Woman Travels Far to Promote Cultural Heritage
- Boosting Rural Revitalization in Hometown
- Rural Entrepreneurs Help Farmers Live Better Lives
- Chinese Woman Takes Peru's 'Alpacas' to International Import Expo
- China's twin sisters win artistic swimming duet title at Hangzhou Asiad
- Across China: Elderly Barista Delights Young Customers with Aromatic Coffee
- Craftswoman Promotes Rural Vitalization by Developing Family's Tea Business