A Study of the Landscape with Camellia Japonica : “Manyoshu” Vol. 12, No. 3101 Poem

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  • ツバキのある風景 : 『万葉集』巻第十二・三一〇一番歌を中心に
  • ツバキ ノ アル フウケイ : 『 マンヨウシュウ 』 マキ ダイジュウニ ・ サンピン 〇イチバンカ オ チュウシン ニ

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Abstract

“Manyoshu,” Vol. 12, No. 3101, is a poem composed after being moved by the sight of a scenic object called ‘tsubakichi.’ The poem traditionally referred only to the relationship between the camellia ash, which is used to make purple dye, and the ‘tsubakichi.’ However, that interpretation is not sufficient, Therefore, I would like to focus on the camellia and ‘tsubakichi,’ and offer a new interpretation of why the poem was sung in ‘tsubakichi.’ I will examine the camellia depicted in “Manyoshu,” “Kojiki,” “Nihonshoki,” and “Fudoki.” The camellia was recognized as a sacred plant due to its evergreen nature and red color. Furthermore, it can be confirmed that it was also known as a medicinal herb during the same period as ”Manyoshu.” In light of these magical elements of the camellia, I can interpret the poem in Vol. 12, No. 3101 and then, I can see that ‘tsubakichi,’ surrounded by sacred camellias, is not only a rich trading place but also a holy place protected from evil. I perceive that the dialogue within the sacred ’tsubakichi’ is safeguarded from evil.

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