EN340 / IN350 Global Haiku Tradition
Dr. Randy Brooks • Spring 2005
Haiku Unit Plan Appendix 11

Appendix 11
Season Words

Haiku traditionally follow the seasons and therefore include a kigo or season word. In Japan, a saijiki or season word reference book with thousands of entries assigned to each season as well as to the New Year (considered a fifth season in Japan) helps poets to become aware of the many possible subjects for their haiku. While many American haiku do not contain a season word, knowing and using them will help you become aware that topics for your haiku are almost inexhaustible.

Take a look at these groups of season words. Are there any words you personally would add to the set? Are there any that you disagree with?

Spring: melting snow, apple blossoms, cherry blossoms, tulip, seed planting, lilac, forsythia, spring mud, lamb, tadpole, ants emerge, March winds, kite, April shower, first mowing, Valentine's Day, Easter, Passover, vernal equinox . . .

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Summer: blaze of midday, dog days, baseball, mayfly, camping, afterglow, short night, raspberry, ladybug, downpour, rainbow, swimming, sand castle, sunburn, mountain climbing, summer pajamas, first cricket, Independence day, lightning bugs, hot dogs, cookout, fireworks . . .

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Autumn : leave start to fall, autumn drizzle, harvest moon, chrysanthemum, pumpkin, Halloween, starry night, scarecrow, autumn wind, grasshopper, burying nuts, migrating birds, canning, stubble field, mushroom gathering, meteors . . .

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Winter: first snow, north wind, longest night, icicle, cabin fever, winter solstice, firewood, hearth, snow throwing, northern lights, skiing, hothouse flower, blizzard, Christmas, Hanukkah, common cold, ice hockey, snowman . . .

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©2005 Randy Brooks, Millikin University, Decatur, Illinois || all rights reserved for original authors