Palindrome, Powerful Japanese Phonological Format of Poetry

Palindromes, powerful and attractive order

We are deeply moved when we encounter a palindrome and discover its beautiful order. Why. Perhaps the palindromic has a strong power. In other words, a palindrome circulates by itself forever and completes.

The peculiarities of Japanese palindromes, not the letters but the phonology

Generally, in palindrome, the arrangement of letters is the decisive factor. For example,

Dogma I am God.

Madam, I'm Adam.

In Japanese palindrome, the arrangement of phonemes, not the arrangement of letters, is the deciding factor. Phoneme, not letters

u ta u ta u

  (sing a song)

ki ku no ku ki

(Chrysanthemum stalk)

ta ke ya bu ya ke ta

 (Bamboo bush burnt)

What Happens When Palindromes Become Japanese Traditional Poetry

Japanese palindrome is more interesting in the traditional form of poetry. In other words, when you receive a palindrome of poetry, the person who receives it cannot resist it. Whether you read it from the top or from the bottom, you can go round and round.

The palindrome, which is mentioned in an old Japanese story, is a poem consisting of five phrases, each of which consists of 5,7,5,7,7 phonemes. And many of them appear to calm the raging nature. For example, here's the palindrome that Kanasaki made when he was on a ship to quench the harsh waves:

na ga ki yo no = 5 phonemes

(Long night)

 

to o no ne bu ri no＝7 phonemes

(so tired to sleep)

 

mi na me [za] me = 5 phonemes

(Everyone wakes up)

 

na mi no ri bu ne no = 7 phonemes

(Ship riding the waves smoothly)

 

o to no yo ki ka na = 7 phonemes

(How good the sound is)

Being read out the poem aloud, the wind stopped, the waves quieted, and the ship comfortably arrived at the port.

Why Japanese Palindrome, More Powerful in Traditional 5, 7, 5, 7, 7 Phonological Format

It is said that each of the Japanese phonemes responds to the elements of the universe. So palindromes are based on phonemes, not letters. Furthermore, Japanese poetry consisting of 5,7,5,7,7 phonemes is more powerful because it resonates with the rhythm of the universe.  

If I have a lot of time, I would like to make palindromic Japanese poems. I think it's the most intelligent and luxurious time.　

The ancient poems made by Princes Waka for courtship are also interesting. If you like, please also visit "Spirituality of Japanese Poem "Waka" Resonates the Rhythm of Celestial Bodies."