Flowers at Dusk

They say, in Japan, that cherry blossoms, the sakura, is the symbol of the joyful moment and the transience, which is associated with Buddhistic influence. The flowers in full bloom come suddenly and fall soon. It is epitomized as "mono no aware". Cherry blossoms also can be the symbol of sadness. Ichiyo Higuchi depicted the saddest scene with falling flowers in her first novella, 'Flowers at Dusk'.




Flowers at Dusk (Yamizakura) by Ichiyo Higuchi, 1892.

Ryonosuke is 22 years old and Chiyo is 16 years old. They grew up together as childhood friends. At dusk on the Day of the Martial Guardian in February, they go out to enjoy browsing at community events. Chiyo clings to Ryonosuke's arm as they stroll along. And then her girlfriends see them and tease, "You two certainly look friendly! What are you up to?"

Since this happened, Chiyo has become aware of yearning for him. However, Ryonosuke hasn't noticed her love.

Chiyo gets sick. She says, "Oh, Mother, please ask him to leave." She couldn't bear to see him worry as the end drew near. She is sinking bit by bit. Ryonosuke, at last, knows her love for him at her last day.

Ichiyo Higuchi depicted the last sentences, as below:

There was no wind in the air, but the cherry blossoms fell beneath the shadows of the eaves. In the evening sky, the temple bell resounded.
( translated by Robert Lyons Danly - 'In the shade of Spring Leaves', 1992.)

Ichiyo died in 1896 when she was 24 years old. She herself was like the falling cherry blossoms.

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