It's a new microseason! If this is your first time joining us, scroll down past the forecast to read about what exactly a microseason is. For the rest of you, let’s jump in!
Two days ago, Dec 12, began 熊蟄穴, the 62nd microseason (候, kō) which is read kuma ana ni komoru and means Bears begin hibernating. This is the second microseason of Taisetsu, which is itself the third solar term of winter.
My almanac says that some of the female bears give birth now and raise their cubs during the winter. Other animals are also preparing for their hibernation. Humans also slow down and start their own brand of hibernation, staying in doors more and more.
Sea cucumbers (海鼠, namako), also translated as sea slugs, may not be much to look at, but they are rather tasty, especially as a side to saké. They are also used in Chinese medicine as a restorative topic.
Here is a haiku for this microseason:
In a sense, both buddhas and devils are striving for something. A sea slug, however, is just being, following its own nature, heedless of where that might or might not lead. Issa may be poking at some Buddhists of the sect he followed (Pure Land Buddhism, Jōdo Shinshū, 浄土真宗) here who taught not to strive or desire, but also seemed to be striving towards the pure land with a strong desire. Better to be a sea slug!
The kigo here is sea slug, which is a kigo for winter.
Will move this info to another post one of these days, but for now, briefly:
The next microseason starts on Dec 17. See you then for the next forecast!
