
Renga, Hokku, Haiku: Exploring the Origins and Tradition of brief Japanese Poetry
The form of Haiku poetry originated from Hokku, the first stanza of 5-7-5 syllables, of a lengthy collaborative poem called Renga. Once the first poet created Hokku, the next poet will create 7-7 syllables, followed by 5-7-5 syllables by another poet, and so on. The process continues until all poets are satisfied. Renga means “linked poetry”.
Hokku, The first stanza, 5-7-5 sets the tone for the entire poem, and eventually, it evolved into its original form, Haiku.
A collection of Renga can be cited in the 8th century and flourished during the Muromach period (14th to 16th centuries), overlaps with the Sengoku period or Warring States period, when samurai were battling for control of Japan.
When you enjoy Haiku, you are connected to a Japanese tradition that is many centuries years old. The beauty and brevity of this poetic form are truly remarkable and stand as a testament to the creativity. Because of its origin as a collaborative linked poem, I invite you as my co-authors of our Renga. If you’re inspired, please share your 7-7 syllable stanza. I or someone else will respond to a 5-7-5 syllable stanza, you or someone else will create a 5-7-5 stanza, and so on – together, we can capture the beauty and creativity of this ancient poetic form, and extend the artwork of the past into the present.
It’s worth noting that a Haiku traditionally contains a seasonal word, Kigo, and its imagery and emotions influence the entire poem. An element of Kigo for a wintery Haiku may include a word such as “snow” or any expression that inspires winter scenery, scent, or feelings. In the absence of seasonal indication, the 5-7-5 syllable form is called Senryu.
Senryu often takes a satirical or ironic tone and can be cynical or darkly humorous, and it’s quite popular in Japan to this date. As far as I can tell, Senryu is often referred to as Haiku in Western culture, and I can think of it for two reasons. The first is that Haiku has become a more well-known form, and the second is that the lines between Haiku and Senryu can sometimes be blurred, as both forms share the same structure and can address similar themes. I am not adept at sarcasm or irony in my poetry, so I focus on haiku creation.
Because of its origin as a collaborative linked poem, I invite you as my co-authors of our Renga. If you’re inspired, please share your 7-7 syllable stanza. I or someone else will respond to a 5-7-5 syllable stanza, you or someone else will create a 5-7-5 stanza, and so on – together, we can capture the beauty and creativity of this ancient poetic form, and extend the artwork of the past into the present.