Latest newsletter: "Wagtail"
October 03, 2018Here is a waka, Japanese traditional poem, in "Kokin Wakashu" in part
4 (anonymous).
"Waga monni Inaosedorino Nakunaeni Kesahuku kazeni kariwa kinikeri"
Accompanied by the late autumn, I saw a wagtail coming to sing at the
gate of my house. Shortly after, wild geese flew over for the first
time this year riding upon a wind blown this morning.
When rice plants become golden ears waiting to be cropped, wagtails
start singing, it seems like they have brought us the autumn. We often
see that they fly in a way looks like they are leading people or cars.
It might be the reason that they are called "Ina osedori (bear rice
bird)". It used to be valued as a beneficial bird as it eats harmful
insects, and also in Japaese folklore, it was said that a disaster would
happen if we catch a wagtail or destroy its nest.
Read the full article:
A bird teaching love: Wagtail
Translation by: Hitomi Kochi, reviewed by Chan Yee Ting
We will deliver the Japan's seasonal tradition by monthly newsletter.
Check out the back number:
http://www.jtco.or.jp/en/magazine-list/
Please subscribe:
http://www.jtco.or.jp/en/pages/newsletter.html