Blossom Drunk

Cherry Blossoms in Edo,
Spring, 1681-2
Basho, age 37-38

In 17th century Edo, women’s fashions are changing.

Drunk on blossoms
a woman in a haori,
pointing with a sword

花に酔えり 羽織着て刀 さす女
Hana ni yoeri haori kite katana sasu onna
Hana ni ee ri haori kite katana sasu onna

Matsuo Basho, Edo, 1681-2

Translation. Hana (flower, here meaning a cherry blossom) ni (particle to indicate cause) yoeri (to become drunk) haori (a short jacket, women wear over a kimono) kite (wearing) katana (sword) sasu (pointing, stabbing) onna (woman)

Cross-Dressing

Japan was unified under the Tokugawa clan. War was over. Peace was at hand. In Spring, the population turned its attention viewing cherry blossoms and getting sloshed on sake. What one wore was a sign of a person’s status and family background. The haori, a lightweight jacket, became casual wear for samurai warriors and popular attire for up and coming townspeople. Women adopted the style along with the men as it could be worn over a kimono.

But a woman carrying a sword would be quite the site.

Onna-Bugeisha, literally, “female who practices the Art of War.” The 3rd century Empress Jingū, was one of the earliest female warriors. It is likely that Matsuo Basho was familiar with the Tale of Heike which recounts the story of Tomoe Gozen, a female samurai who fought for the Minamoto clan. Basho wrote a haiku about the Genpei War between the Minamoto and the Taira clans.

Gabi Greve and the Japanese site Yamanashi date this haiku to when he was 38 to 40, first to third year of Tenwa, 1681 – 1683. A year before, Matsuo had moved from central Edo to the rural Fukagawa District to take up residence in a simple cottage. A house warming gift of a banana plant (basho) was planted by the front door, and Matsuo had the idea of a new name.