RENGA Meaning and
Definition
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Renga is a traditional form of Japanese collaborative poetry that involves the composition of a series of linked verses. The word "renga" translates to "linked verse" in English, which aptly describes the nature of this poetic style. Often written by multiple authors, each verse in a renga is connected to the previous one through association of ideas, images, or themes.
The structure of a renga typically follows a specific pattern. It begins with a verse called hokku, which sets the tone and establishes a poetic atmosphere. The following verses, known as wakiku or "middle verses," continue the theme established in the hokku. The renga concludes with the envoi, a verse that serves as a summarizing comment or reflection on the poem as a whole.
Renga encourages collaborative creativity and is often composed in a social setting, with each participant contributing a verse. The process involves close attention to the preceding verses to maintain coherence while adding a unique element to the chain. This collaborative nature of renga makes it a significant aspect of Japanese literary and cultural tradition.
Renga has been practiced for centuries in Japan and has influenced various forms of poetry around the world. The intricacies of its structure, the emphasis on association, and the need for harmony within the verses make it a distinctive and highly regarded poetic art form. Renga provides a platform for poets to create a connected and evolving expression of thoughts and emotions.
Etymology of RENGA
The word "renga" comes from the Japanese language. It is a combination of two kanji characters: "連" (ren), meaning "linked" or "connected", and "歌" (ka), meaning "song" or "poem".
Renga refers to a form of collaborative linked verse poetry that originated in Japan in the 12th century. It involves multiple poets taking turns to compose verses in a structured manner, thereby creating a chain of linked stanzas. Over time, renga evolved into other forms such as haikai no renga and haiku. Nowadays, it is still practiced and appreciated as a traditional, elegant art form in Japan.
