The word "kigo" is a term used in Japanese poetry, specifically haiku. It refers to a seasonal reference or a word that evokes a particular time of year. The spelling of "kigo" can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) as /kiːɡəʊ/. The 'k' is pronounced with a hard sound, the 'i' is a long vowel sound, and the 'g' has a soft 'j' sound. The 'o' is pronounced with a long vowel sound and the stress is on the second syllable.
Kigo is a term used in Japanese poetry, specifically in the form of haiku, to refer to a seasonal word or phrase. Derived from the Japanese words "ki" (sign) and "go" (word), kigo is an essential element of haiku as it captures the essence of a specific season, adding depth and context to the poem.
In the traditional Japanese poetic calendar, each season is associated with various natural phenomena, such as blooming cherry blossoms in spring, falling leaves in autumn, or snowfall in winter. Kigo serves as a linguistic tool to evoke these seasonal images and create a sense of temporal and emotional immediacy in haiku writing.
Through the incorporation of a kigo, haiku poets seek to establish a connection between the reader and the time and place depicted in the poem. It deepens the understanding of the scene by conveying not only the visual aspect but also the sensory and emotional experience associated with a particular season. For example, the mention of cicadas in a haiku signals the hot summer months, while the sound of crickets may evoke the feeling of a balmy autumn evening.
The use of kigo in haiku is not limited to explicit references; it can also be indirect or symbolic, making the reader infer the season from subtle indications. The skillful selection and interplay of kigo contribute to the rich and layered nature of haiku, encapsulating the beauty and transience of each passing season.
The word "kigo" comes from the Japanese language. It is a compound word consisting of two parts: "ki" meaning "season" and "go" meaning "word". Kigo refers to a specific word or phrase used in traditional Japanese poetry, particularly haiku, to indicate or evoke a specific season of the year.