Nukata no Ookimi (a.k.a. Princess Nukata, 630-690 AD)
Crimson red . . .
We met
In the purple fields . . .
You wave, but oh!
The guards might see.
“Crimson red” is symbolism for the morning sun.
“Purple” is symbolism for royalty. So this is the story of two lovers who
secretly met in the palace at night. As the man was sneaking off in the
morning, he waved, but she was worried the guards would see.
“Purple” is symbolism for royalty. So this is the story of two lovers who
secretly met in the palace at night. As the man was sneaking off in the
morning, he waved, but she was worried the guards would see.
Original Text |
Modern Text |
Pronunciation |
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額田王
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額田王
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Nukata no Ookimi
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茜草指
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あかねさす
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Akane sasu
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武良前野逝
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紫野行き
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Murasakino yuki
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標野行
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標野行き
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Yumeno yuki
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野守者不見哉
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野守は見ずや
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Nomori ha mizu ya
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君之袖布流
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君が袖振る
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Kimi ga sode furu
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Translation Notes
A poem by
Nukata no Ookimi,when emperor was hunting
Nukata no Ookimi,when emperor was hunting
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あかねさす
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Red-dye/crimson does
[Sun shines (this word leads to 紫)]
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紫野行き
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Purple field journey
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標野行き
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Emblem field journey
[Garden for the Imperial family]
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野守は見ずや
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Field guards see not oh
[Guards might see (や＝oh!)]
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君が袖振る
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You sleeves wave
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Murarakino-in kyouto city, around Daitokuji temple