Wednesday, January 03, 2007

The Third Day

聞きなれた声聞こえ来て三日かな
familiar voices
from PC-
the third day

My old PC couldn't download the procedure for BBC broadcast, but my wive's new one can! The third day is a kigo of new year: the 1st day (Ganjitsu元日, the beginning day of the year), 2nd day (futsuka二日), 3rd day (mikka三日), 4th day (yokka四日), 5th day (itsuka五日), 6th day (muika六日) and 7th day (nanuka 七日or Jinjitsu人日), all mean days in January alone in Japanese haiku. These days in eastern Japan, Kanto area (in western Kansai area, plus days till 15th) are said to be within the pine tree which is a auspicious plant. Kansai people thus have longer joyous days! Interesting?