International Haiku Poetry Day 2023: Date, History, Activities

Although the principles of haiku may appear restrictive, they actually stimulate the brain's problem-solving center, thereby fostering creativity.The haiku form became popular in seventeenth-century Japan

Every April 17, International Haiku Poetry Day, an initiative of The Haiku Foundation, honours the art form. A haiku is an ancient form of Japanese poetry that consists of three lines with the syllable structure “five-seven-five” Japanese haikus not only tally syllables, but also sounds. Typically, haikus focus on nature, the passing of the seasons, or fleeting beauty. They utilise more images than metaphors, at the risk of sounding like your high school English teacher. Due to their brevity, they are also extremely concise. Try it!

The background of International Haiku Poetry Day

Although the principles of haiku may appear restrictive, they actually stimulate the brain’s problem-solving center, thereby fostering creativity.The haiku form became popular in seventeenth-century Japan and was associated with zen meditation.In this era, it is a social requirement to study and speak Chinese and Japanese poetry fluently.Japanese poetry is experiencing a renaissance, with an increase in haikai, a form of gentler poetry.Matsuo Bash is credited with perfecting the haiku as it exists today.The poetic form known as haiku is now formally known by this appellation.

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INTERNATIONAL HAIKU POETRY DAY ACTIVITIES

Attend an event

On this day, the Haiku Foundation hosts numerous events, including readings, exhibitions, and competitions. In addition, the organisation sponsors the HaikuLife Haiku Film Festival, the Earthrise Rolling Haiku Collaboration, and a number of international gatherings.

Read the great works

Matsuo Bash (1644-1694) is possibly the finest haiku poet ever. Read his work to learn what is possible, and maintain high standards.

Author your own!

A haiku can be written by anyone, though writing a decent one is difficult. Consult online examples for inspiration, and try reciting a few aloud to achieve a sense of fluidity. Share your work with the hashtag #NationalHaikuPoetryDay.