Today is “Risshun”- the first day of spring in the traditional Japanese lunar calendar.
Wind is still cold – but spring is approaching slowly and surely!
“Ode to Early Spring(早春賦)”,which we are practicing for coming performance right now describes the feeling that we may have in this season.
Ode to Early Spring
Translated by Caroline E. Kano
The spring is but a name in the chill of the wind,
The bush warbler in the valley, though longing to sing,
Finds still it is too soon to trill his song,
Finds still it is too soon to trill his song.
The pond ice thaws, and reeds begin to sprout,
“Oh, spring has come at last,” I rejoice, yet, alas!
Today, as yesterday, the sky is filled with snow,
Today, as yesterday, the sky is filled with snow.
If I had not heard ’twas spring, I would not know,
Yet now I’ve heard, my heart impatiently takes flight!
Oh, how should I bide this wondrous time?
Oh, how should I bide this wondrous time?
O Lex Dictionary: 「連載 続・日本の歌」より
http://olex.sakura.ne.jp/blog/category/o-lex-blog/serial/