Straw man, harvest moon,looking on the other shore.
Higan rituals?
OK, here is some clarification added after your first comments: since this is a Haiku, which is Japanese, I couldn't help but reference the Autumnal Equinox ceremonies in Japan, the Higan Rituals. I just can't get over it in one day, the full moon so close to the first day of Fall, here 3 days later I can go on and on.
From internet research: JAPAN: The Spring and Autumn Equinoxes are observed as the six-day celebration: the Higan-e. It is celebrated for three days before and after each Equinox. Six days was chosen because it is based on the six perfections, giving, observance of the precepts, perseverance, effort, meditation and wisdom - needed before one goes from this shore of samsara to the further shore or nirvana. The literal meaning of Higan is 'other shore.' The ritual includes repentance of past sins and prayers for enlightenment in the next life. It also includes remembrance of the dead and visits to the family graves. It is thought that the Spring and Autumn Equinoxes, being the most temperate times of the year, are ideal moments to reflect on the meaning of life.
*correct me if I err*
OK, here is some clarification added after your first comments: since this is a Haiku, which is Japanese, I couldn't help but reference the Autumnal Equinox ceremonies in Japan, the Higan Rituals. I just can't get over it in one day, the full moon so close to the first day of Fall, here 3 days later I can go on and on.
From internet research: JAPAN: The Spring and Autumn Equinoxes are observed as the six-day celebration: the Higan-e. It is celebrated for three days before and after each Equinox. Six days was chosen because it is based on the six perfections, giving, observance of the precepts, perseverance, effort, meditation and wisdom - needed before one goes from this shore of samsara to the further shore or nirvana. The literal meaning of Higan is 'other shore.' The ritual includes repentance of past sins and prayers for enlightenment in the next life. It also includes remembrance of the dead and visits to the family graves. It is thought that the Spring and Autumn Equinoxes, being the most temperate times of the year, are ideal moments to reflect on the meaning of life.
*correct me if I err*
At first I thought it was simple, and now I'm not quite sure. I had to look up Higan. Whoa. Love this word.
ReplyDeleteDo tell.
xo
erin
ok, i need to go look up 'higan'. straw man is cool though...
ReplyDeleteI recognized the 5/7/5 syllable count and the style as Japanese as opposed to American. But yes the Higan-e did need some explanation to complete the understanding of the haiku.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the exposition. It gives richness to your work.
ReplyDelete