First Paragraph: Spring is Dawn

In this series, we will present the original text chapter by chapter, along with a modern translation and clues for reading. The notation preserves the flavor of the original while making it easier to read. There are differences between the transmitted versions and the collated texts of "The Pillow Book."

Original Text

Spring is like dawn. Gradually, the mountain ridges become whiter and a little brighter, and thin clouds of purple color gently sway.

In summer, it is night. When the moon is out, it is even more beautiful; even in darkness, fireflies flutter about, and even when rain falls, it is lovely.

In autumn, the evening comes. The setting sun shines brightly, and the mountains seem very close. When crows fly towards their nests, even just a few or two or three of them flying by is beautiful. Geese and other birds migrating in formation are visible from afar, which is delightful. As the sun sets completely, the sound of the wind and the chirping of insects become incredibly lovely.

In winter, when snow falls, it is not unusual. The frost is very white, and even the clear ice is extremely cold. It is necessary to quickly light a fire and spread charcoal, which makes things feel warmer. During the day, as things become slightly warm and relaxed, the fire in the coal bin and water bucket turns into white ash, which is undesirable.

Modern Japanese Translation

Spring is best at dawn. The sky gradually turns white, and the boundary between the mountains and the sky becomes faintly bright, with purple-tinged clouds gently swaying in the breeze. This scenery is beautiful.

Summer is best at night. It goes without saying that it's wonderful when the moon is out, but even on completely dark nights, fireflies are flying around, which is a delight. Even rainy nights have their own charm.

Autumn is a good time for sunsets. When the setting sun shines red and seems to approach the edge of the mountains, and crows fly by in groups of three, four, two, or three as they return to their nests, it deeply moves one's heart. Moreover, the sight of geese flying in formation, which looks very small from here, is truly fascinating. The sound of the wind and the voices of insects that can be heard after the sun has completely set are also very touching.

Winter mornings are best. There is no need to mention the beauty of a morning when snow has fallen and accumulated. Even on a morning with heavy frost, or even just a very cold morning, the sight of quickly lighting the fire and carrying charcoal back and forth in the hallway is perfectly suited for a winter morning. However, as noon approaches and the cold gradually subsides and becomes warmer, it looks unsightly when the coals in the coal bin and the brazier become nothing but white ash.

Clues for reading.

Capture each season at the time that most captivates your heart.

Sei Shōnagon chooses dawn for spring, night for summer, and twilight for autumn. For winter, she does not directly write the time, but from the whiteness of snow or frost, and the movements of people hurrying to light fires, it is understood that it depicts a cold early morning scene. The colors and light of spring, the moon, fireflies, and rain in summer, the sunset, birds, wind, and insects in autumn, and the coldness and charcoal fire in winter – each season vividly unfolds with different sensations.

"Haru wa akatsuki" (Spring is dawn) - Words that are omitted.

"Haru wa akatsuki" can be directly translated as "Spring is before dawn." It does not contain predicates such as "good" or "interesting." Based on the subsequent scenes and evaluations of summer, autumn, and winter, it can be read with the addition: "Spring being before dawn is good." By placing specific scenery after a short statement, the composition allows the reader to slowly witness the dawning.

"Yamagi" and "Yama no hashi".

In spring, "yamagi" refers to the side of the sky that is visible next to the distant mountain ridges. In contrast, in autumn, the setting sun approaches "yama no hashi," which means the edge of the mountains themselves. These two similar words are used differently: in spring, they depict the brightening sky, while in autumn, they portray the sunset over the mountains.

"Okashi," "Ahare nari," "Waroshi."

"Okashi" does not mean "funny" in modern Japanese; instead, it represents a bright interest, beauty, and an attractive kind of fun. "Ahare nari" is not just sadness, but something that deeply moves the heart. In autumn as the sun sets, the feeling of "ahare" deepens, shifting from visible birds to sounds of wind and insects. On the other hand, "waroshi" at the end of winter means "bad" or "unattractive," representing a straightforward evaluation.

Old language and expressions

• yau yau: gradually, little by little.
• saranaari: needless to say, of course.
• sahe: "even". Unexpected things such as darkness, rain, and crows are added as objects of interest.
• iu beki ni mo arazu: so wonderful that it is unnecessary to mention.
• tsukizuki shi: very suitable for the place or season.
• suntaku・hikoki: Both are tools used to keep warm by putting charcoal in them. A suntaku is a box-shaped facility close to the hearth, while a hikoki is a portable heating device.

In the phrase "炭もてわたる," the original text does not specify who is carrying the charcoal. It can be read as a description of the movements of people in the palace who are tending to the fire. The appeal of this passage lies in its ability to encompass not only natural beauty but also the human activities appropriate for that season.