Urban Myth of 5-7-5
8 days ago
- #misconception
- #haiku
- #poetry
- A contributor to the Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival’s Haiku Invitational expressed concern that winning haikus did not follow the 5-7-5 syllable structure traditionally believed to define haiku.
- Michael Dylan Welch responded by explaining that the 5-7-5 syllable structure is a common misconception in English haiku, as Japanese haiku counts sounds, not syllables, and focuses more on content and techniques like season words (kigo) and cutting words (kireji).
- Welch provided resources and links to authoritative haiku literature and organizations to clarify the misunderstanding and encourage a deeper understanding of haiku as a literary art form.
- Despite the detailed response, the original contributor did not reply, leaving it unclear whether they were persuaded or remained unconvinced.
- Another reader later echoed similar concerns, prompting Welch to reiterate his explanation and challenge the reader to explore the true essence of haiku beyond the 5-7-5 myth.