In Ōmi, at once
let the Tsukuma festival
be quickly held—
I would see how many pots
that cold-hearted one will wear.
- Meaning
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In Ōmi, I wish the festival of Tsukuma to be held at once; I want to see how many pots that unfeeling woman will wear upon her head.
- Commentary
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120 The Festival of Tsukuma
A certain man learned that a woman, whom he had thought knew nothing of men, had secretly exchanged vows of love and entered into a relationship with a noble person.
The poem was composed by the man upon learning this.
On the day of the Tsukuma festival, it is said that women of the region would visit wearing as many pots upon their heads as the number of men with whom they had been involved.
The man, who had received no attention from her and believed she knew no men, discovers that she had in fact been secretly involved with a noble figure, and wishes to know her true nature through this.
It may also be read as anger toward a woman who feigned innocence and ignored him.
- Source
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Ise Monogatari
- Other
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