Latest newsletter: Silkworm

May 24, 2016

Here is a Japanese traditional poem, Tanka, compiled in the 14th
chapter of "The tale of Ise".

"Nakanakani Koini shinazuwa Kuwagonizo Narubekarikeru Tamanoo bakari"

Interpretation: if I live knowing that my love is hopeless until I die,
I should have been born as a silkworm even though its life is
extremely short.

The 72-climate is an East Asian solar calendar originating from the
Meiji period (19-20c). A year is divided into 72 periods and each of
them has a set meaning as to what happens in nature. During the period
of "Shoman Shoko (May 21st-25th )", it is said "蚕起食桑 (Kaiko Okotte
Kuwa wo Kurau: silkworms get busy eating mulberries)". As mulberry's
leaves grow well at this season, silk farmers start growing newly
hatched silk larvae called "毛蚕 (Kego)".

Read the full article:
Gift from gods: "Silkworm"

Translation by: Hitomi Kochi, reviewed by Chan Yee Ting

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