seasonal reference (kigo)

A seasonal reference, known as kigo in Japanese poetry, is a word or phrase that indicates the time of year, connecting the poem to natural and cultural aspects of a specific season. It helps evoke the atmosphere, emotions, and themes associated with that season, enriching the reader’s understanding. For example, cherry blossoms suggest spring, while snow signifies winter. Incorporating a kigo situates the poem within a seasonal context, deepening its resonance and continuity with nature’s cycles. This tradition is especially prominent in forms like haiku, where subtle seasonal cues are integral to the poem’s meaning.