Springtime Festivities in Japan and Twelfth Night
The Blossoming of Spring
As the winter snow melts away and the weather turns warmer, people worldwide look for ways to celebrate the arrival of spring. In Japan, one of the most beloved ways to welcome the new season is by participating in the centuries-old tradition of hanami, or cherry blossom viewing. The blooming of cherry blossoms, or sakura, typically occurs in late March through early May, depending on the location. During this time, people flock to parks, temples, and other outdoor spaces to admire the delicate pink and white flowers and enjoy picnics with friends and family.
But cherry blossom viewing isn’t the only springtime celebration in Japan. Another popular event is the annual Japanese festival, or matsuri, in various regions throughout the country. These festivals typically involve parades, music, food, and a vibrant display of traditional attire and customs. One particularly famous matsuri is the Kyoto Gion Festival, held every July, which draws over a million visitors worldwide.
Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night and Springtime Festivities
What do these springtime festivities in Japan have to do with Twelfth Night, one of Shakespeare’s most beloved plays? At first glance, not much. Twelfth Night is set in Illyria, a fictional land without a direct connection to Japan. However, a closer examination reveals some fascinating parallels between the play and several springtime traditions across cultures.
For one, Twelfth Night is a comedy that centers around themes of love, disguise, and mistaken identity, which could easily apply to springtime festivals’ lighthearted, joyous nature. Also, the play is traditionally performed on the twelfth night after Christmas, known as Epiphany, a Christian holiday celebrating the visit of the Magi to the infant Jesus. Similarly, in Japan, New Year’s Day is considered a time for “firsts” and new beginnings, which echoes the idea of fresh starts and renewal that comes with the arrival of spring.
Finally, there’s the matter of bubble tea. While connecting a Taiwanese beverage trend with a Shakespearean play set in a fictional land may seem like a stretch, bear with me. With its sweet, fruity flavors and chewy tapioca pearls, Bubble tea has become a popular drink worldwide, especially among young people. Not only is it a refreshing treat to enjoy on a warm spring day, but it also has a sense of playful whimsy that fits well with the spirit of Twelfth Night. Plus, something about those little bubbles at the bottom of the cup feels like a nod to the comedy’s themes of hidden identities and surprising revelations.
If you’re curious to learn more about the connections between Twelfth Night and springtime festivities in Japan, the Smithsonian Libraries has plenty of resources to explore. There’s no shortage of fascinating material, from books on Japanese culture and art to critical analyses of the play. So next time you find yourself sipping bubble tea under cherry blossoms in the springtime, consider the unexpected connections across cultures and periods and let the playfulness and joy of Twelfth Night inspire you.