| Title: Katauta
The Katauta was a specific form of Japanese poetry 19 onji in length that was written in three lines of 5-7-7 onji (approximately one breath length) each with a specific rhythm and in the form of either a question or an answer. Once thought to represent primitive songs, the Katauta is now believed to be a means of conveying a question and an answer among primitive people.
These Katauta are believed to have developed in primitive societies, as stated above, as part of spring festivals similar to the fertility rites and planting/harvesting rituals of other primitive societies and cultures. However Katauta, by themselves, may be interesting, when placed together with an answer following a question, they become even more interesting poetically…
…So, what we have in the Kojiki, the oldest book of Japanese poetry, is a poetic form described as the basic unit of Japanese poetry, consisting of approximately 19 onji (or about one breaths length to recite), with a stress on the importance of rhythm as inherent in this basic unit, and, therefore, one could conclude--all Japanese poetry. Other characteristics found within the Katauta are the use of ellipsis, condensation of thought or image, spontaneity or intuitive intonations and/or a nakedness of treatment in general.”
Simply stated:
To write a Katauta in English you need 19 syllables, divided in three lines of 5/7/7 syllables.
Each Katauta has its specific rhythm.
It has the form of a question, or an answer.
Placed together, the second Katauta answers the question of the first one. |
