HOKKU Meaning and
Definition
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Hokku is a traditional form of Japanese poetry that originated in the 17th century. It is a type of haiku, a concise and observational verse style, which typically consists of three lines totaling 17 syllables. However, hokku's specific form and distinct thematic focus set it apart from other haikus.
The hokku traditionally follows a 5-7-5 syllable pattern and embodies a specific mood or moment from nature. It often explores themes related to the changing seasons, natural landscapes, or the beauty of flora and fauna. Hokku aims to capture a particular moment in time, evoking a feeling of transience and the impermanence of existence. It employs simple and objective language, using vivid and sensory imagery to immerse the reader in the natural world.
While hokku technically refers to the opening stanza of a renku (a collaborative linked-poem), it has become commonly used to refer to standalone poems in this style. Due to its brevity and focus on nature, hokku played a pivotal role in the development of haiku as a separate and widely recognized form of poetry.
Hokku continues to be appreciated and practiced today, both in Japan and worldwide, for its ability to distill the essence of a fleeting moment in nature into a deeply resonant and thought-provoking poetic snapshot.
Common Misspellings for HOKKU
- gokku
- bokku
- nokku
- jokku
- uokku
- yokku
- hikku
- hkkku
- hlkku
- hpkku
- h0kku
- h9kku
- hojku
- homku
- holku
- hooku
- hoiku
- hokju
- hokmu
- hoklu
Etymology of HOKKU
The word "hokku" derives from Japanese. It is a combination of two kanji characters: "ho" (法), which can mean "law", "principle", or "model", and "kku" (句), which means "phrase" or "poem". Together, "hokku" refers to the opening verse of a traditional Japanese collaborative linked-verse poetry form called "renga", which later developed into "haiku". Over time, "hokku" itself became synonymous with the standalone poetry form we now know as "haiku".
