Tag Archives: 書道アート

神無月 (kan-na-zuki) – “October” (archaic)

神 = god無 = not月 = month The modern Japanese word for October is 十月 (literally “10th Month), however in the old-fashioned calendar is was known as 神無月, or “the month with no gods”.  This is because in October, all the gods in Japan (there are believed to be 8 million of them) go toContinueContinue reading “神無月 (kan-na-zuki) – “October” (archaic)”

方と気 Form & Energy

The poet William Blake proposed that two types of people exist: the “energetic creators” and the “rational organizers”, or, as he calls them in The Marriage of Heaven and Hell, the “devils” and “angels”. According to Blake, both are necessary to life. Often both can be found in a single person. He said we should goContinueContinue reading “方と気 Form & Energy”

Pain is inevitable, but suffering depends on you!

My housemate wanted a Japanese translation of the above title, written in Japanese calligraphy. It’s one of his favourite quotes, and we originally thought it was an ancient Buddhist phrase. However… after a lot digging on the Internet to find a Japanese translation…. it seems that the original phrase is actually Japanese! It comes fromContinueContinue reading “Pain is inevitable, but suffering depends on you!”

愛は勝つ (ai wa katsu) “love wins”

I created this as a commission for a friend who wanted to give it as part of a gift. Before writing, I double checked the Japanese with my Japanese teacher to make sure it sounded natural (I *always* do this – it saves embarrassing mistakes!). She said that as well as sounding natural, it isContinueContinue reading “愛は勝つ (ai wa katsu) “love wins””

菖蒲華 (Ayame hana saku) “Irises bloom”

In ancient times Japanese people divided the year into 72 “micro-seasons”. These seasons were based on natural events such as the weather and appearance of various flora and fauna. Last weekend was 菖蒲華, marking period when irises begin to bloom. You can find out more about Japanese micro-seasons here.

結 (musubi) “relationships”

Literally meaning “tying together”, this word can be used to refer to the relationships that tie humans together, in particular romantic relationships. In Japan (as well as China and Korea) lovers who are destined to be together are thought to be joined by the “red thread of fate”. Romantic partners are often depicted with aContinueContinue reading “結 (musubi) “relationships””