Kigo

Kigo are seasonal words or phrases used in Japanese poetry, particularly haiku, to evoke a specific time of year or natural setting. They serve as cultural markers that connect the poem to a particular season, enriching its imagery and emotional depth. For example, cherry blossoms might signify spring, while falling leaves indicate autumn. Kigo help readers immediately grasp the seasonal context, creating a shared understanding of the moment’s atmosphere and mood, and deepen the poetic resonance by tying personal reflection to nature's cycles.