Haiku: understand what it is, characteristics and examples

Haiku is a poetic form of Japanese origin that captivates readers with its minimalism and depth. With just three lines, it seeks to capture the essence of a moment or emotion concisely and powerfully.

This traditional form of poetry has become popular in various parts of the world, appreciated both for its simplicity and its ability to convey profound meaning in a few words.

Below, we’ll explore what haiku is, its examples, famous poems, characteristics, and interesting facts.

What is haiku?

Haiku is a form of Japanese poetry that follows a fixed structure of three lines, traditionally with 5, 7, and 5 syllables, totaling 17 syllables.

It is estimated that it originally emerged in Japan in the 17th century as part of a tradition called “renga,” but it soon took on a life of its own as an independent form of poetic expression. Haiku’s main focus is to capture a specific moment in nature or everyday life, often related to the seasons or fleeting emotions.

Despite its structural simplicity, it is an art form that demands sensitivity and attention to detail.

Examples of Haiku

Classic examples of haiku often involve vivid images of nature, connected to a reflection or emotion. One of the best-known is by the Japanese poet Matsuo Bashô:
“Old pond / The frog’s leap / The sound of water.”

Another example, by Kobayashi Issa, translated into Portuguese, is:
“This world of dew / is a world of dew, / and yet, and yet…”

These examples illustrate the beauty of haiku in transforming simple scenes into something profound and reflective.

Famous Haiku Poems

Matsuo Bashô, Kobayashi Issa, and Yosa Buson are masters of haiku, with poems that continue to inspire readers and writers around the world.

In addition to the examples mentioned, other famous poems by Bashô include descriptions of travel and seasonal changes, such as the iconic:
“On the ancient path, / no traveler, only the wind / among the pines.”

These poems marked the history of Japanese literature and helped popularize the poetic form worldwide, including in Brazil, where poets such as Guilherme de Almeida translated and adapted it.

Characteristics of Haiku

Haiku is characterized by its brevity and precision. Its main elements include:

• Fixed structure: three lines with 5, 7, and 5 syllables.
• Kigo: Reference to a season, connecting the poem to nature.
• Kireji: A “cut” or pause, usually symbolized by punctuation or words that emphasize an idea.
• Simplicity: Avoids unnecessary flourishes and focuses on conveying a clear image.
• Furthermore, haiku is often written in the present tense, capturing a moment as if it were happening now, inviting the reader to feel and experience the scene with the author.

Fun Facts

An interesting fact is that haiku began as a collaborative form of poetry. In ancient Japan, poets would gather to create “renga,” where each person contributed verses to form a long poem.

Haiku emerged when the first three verses (hokku) began to be appreciated as an independent form. Another interesting fact is that, over the years, haiku has expanded into other languages ​​and cultures, being adapted to less rigid structures while maintaining its minimalist spirit.

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