The history of hundred people poems (Hyakunin?Issyu)
About 750years ago(Heian era) Fujiwarano Sadaie wrote down hundred poems of exellent poemer on his mountain Cottage’s husuma paper.
This is the site which Fujiwarano Sadaie lived in. This is called “Enrian”. He edited hundred poems here in Kyoto mt.Ogura.
In the Heian era, the nobility played “Kaiohi” or “Kaiawase”. Today,these two game were regarded as almost same. Players look for pair of shell which are just same from many shells. Player who got more shells than the opponent was the winner.
In Edo era , “Kaiohi” and “Kaiawase” developed into “Utagai”. The first half of poem was written on one card, the latter half of poem was written on an other card. Player take these pair, as fast, as much as they can. Hundred people poems which Fujiwarano Sadaie selected was used this “Utagai”. Since western card game “karuta” was imported from Poltgul, card’s shape changed. Shell, next it changed into the board, finally rectangle paper card. And in Edo era, this card game became popular among common people gradually.
Today, we combine “karuta” with new years day activity. But in old days, people played “karuta” throughout the year. The custom that people play “Karuta” in new years day started at end of 17 century.
This is “karuta festival” in Oumi shrine. Young girls selected from throughout Japan, called “Torihime” play Karuta game. They hope that Karuta assembly hold safety.
Kumiko
Last updated 6-Dec-2001