The Safflower in Chapter 22:Tamakazura: The Tendrill Wreath
The safflower's value as spice is nearly nil, but their staining capability justifies usage in the kitchen. Is said to have not that much flavor.

The characteristics of the flower is very simmilar to that of Suetsumuhana's.
1.One could conclude that her value to Genji is nearly nil-yet "Compassionate regard for Her Highness of Hitachi's rank prompted him to treat her for forms sake as well as he could"(436).Genji finds her manner to be drab or at least shikibu does "Dull or not she replied with a smile [to genji]"(436).
2. Of having no flavor like the Safflower:
She's wearing a willowrobe that Genji had givern her, that is in disasterous condition made of willow. "She had it on over a dark and lusterous layering, crackling starched, and she looked pathetically cold"(435)
*"The marvelous hair of her youth had suffered through the years, until he was obliged to avert his eyes in sorrow before a profile whiter that any pool below a waterfall" (435)
3.The flower has staining power justifies usage:"Only the colour of her nose shone undimmed through the mists"
*"Her meekly trusting faith in his loyality was certianly touching. Poor thing he said to himself in this rare moment of concern for her, even in things like this she is eccentric" (436)

Chapter 15: Yomogiu - A waste of weeds
Suestsumuhana- Safflower Continued
Weeds surrounding Safflower's ruined house:

Humulus or Hops
*Originally used for their preservative value, the hops were only later noted to impart a flavor to beer.
*Reported to be anaphrodisiac, anodyne, antiseptic, diuretic, hypnotic, nervine, sedative, soporific, stomachic, sudorific, tonic, and vermifuge, hops is a folk remedy for boils, bruises, calculus, cancer, cramps, cough, cystitis, debility, delirium, diarrhea, dyspepsia, fever, fits, hysteria, inflammation, insomnia, jaundice, nerves, neuralgia, rheumatism, and worms
*Use of hops as a sedative, drinking hop tea several times a day to alleviate nervousness. (www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/duke_energy/Humulus_lupulus.)

Yomogi or Mugwort:

*A close relative of wormwort, is a hardy plant, usually growing to about 3 ft. in height, with stout stems somewhat purple in color.
*Believed to enhance dreams if placed under one’s pillow.
*In the Asian tradition, it was used in concoctions to treat rheumatism. Later in European history, it was used to ease the symptoms of epilepsy and palsy. Also been used as a uterine stimulant, treatment of constipation, depression, anxiety, and vomiting. (http://www.viable-herbal.com/singles/herbs/s791.html)

Weeping Willow:

*Weeping Willow is commonly planted in burial grounds both in China and in Turkey
*The greenish-yellow flowers that appear in May never produce seed in this species
*Practically a purely ornamental tree.
*The Weeping Willow belongs to the group known as Crack Willows, from the brittleness of their twigs at the joints.
*One will ususally find this tree near water. If the water supply is scarce, the roots of this tree will stretch as long as they have to to find it.

Wisreria:
*Japanese wisteria grows to a height of 25 feet or more and has violet-blue, fragrant flowers that bloom as the foliage is also expanding.
*Individual flowers open gradually from the base of the cluster to the tip.
*Flowers are pea-like and may be white, pink, lilac-blue, bluish-purple or purple in color. The fruit is a long, green flattened pod that is not particularly ornamental.
(http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/1000/1246.html)

In Relation to Genji:

1.The start of this chapter starts off with a reflection metaphor(western sorry- no other way to explain it clearly): "Genji appeared from no where to see loyally to her needs; and although to him in his grandeur such attentions were no more than the least he could do, she whose sleeves were really too narrow to receive them, had felt as thoughall the stars above now shoone up from her water basin" (302).
2.Reading this chapter, I came to notice how it mirrored the Falling Flowers chapter. Genji is on his way to the village of falling flowers when he spots a weeping willow and recognizes the grove of Suestsumuhana's home. Again he catches the scent of orange blossoms which stirs his memory. Same way he forgot the woman at falling flowers,before the orange scent reminded him, the same way he seemingly forgot Suestsumuhana. Genji even compares her to the lady of falling flowers(311).
3. It also seemed to mirror the situation between Cho Cho San and Pickerton. "Surely you do not expect him to come calling on youjust because here in this hopeless wilderness you are chastely trusting him to do that." (306) Suestsumuhana is wanting for Genji to come back for many years fully believing that he will come back to her. Just like Cho Cho San, except Genj actually does come back to Suestsumuhana and saves her from ruin.
4.Suestsumuhana a hidden flower amongst the weeds.
5. "If the water supply is scarce for the willow tree, the roots of this tree will stretch as long as they have to to find it. This seems to mirroe Suestsumuhana. She seems to reach out to Genji, her water, her life line.
6. "the willow is practically a purely ornamental tree" as Suestsumuhana becomes ornamental when he brings her to his house." It was rare for [Genji] to actually call on her there, but she was so close that he looked in on her whenever he came her way at all..."(312)
7. Sei ja ku- Suestsumuhana silence- she lives like a hermit rarely talking to anyone. No one stops by to see her. She is really shy and hardly speaks even to Genji. She's lonely- everyone starts to leave her and she reflects on the past alot
8. "Believed to enhance dreams if placed under one’s pillow". Hops vines seem to engulf Suestsumuhana's home. Others think she is dreaming that Genji will come for her. She dreams that Genji will come bacck. Memories can be compared to dreams.
9. (Use of hops as a sedative, mugwort to treat depression and anxiety) Suestsumuhana seems sedated. She should use the mugwort to treat her depression and anxiety of others!
10.(Weeping Willow is commonly planted in burial grounds) When Genji doesn't return the household mourns him.

"It is better to have loved and lost
Then to have never loved at all"

Chapter 8: Hana no En

Chapter 8: Hana no En
Under the Cherry Blossoms
As mentioned earlier in blogs (chapter 7 blog) Sakura Viewing is the most popular event, beating out the Momiji Viewing.
Facts:
- Cherry blossoms represent the coming of spring (counter part Momiji represents autumn).
- Everything about the sakura is appreciated, from the moment it blooms to the moment the petals start to fall.
- Sakura blooms for a short period of time (7-10 days).
- “Hanami” Cherry blossom viewing parties, became popular in the Heian Period.
- The life and beauty of the Sakura is very short and relates to the “wabi sabi” concept of impermanence. Beauty for a moment.


In relation to Genji:

1. Genji takes a new lover in chapter 8. Cherry blossoms are to be looked at and the only way to acquire the best bloom is by breaking off a branch and taking it. The mysterious woman that Genji takes while he is drunk is Oborozukiyo. He takes her without her consent.
2. Oborozukiyo was originally intended for the Heir Apparent (Suzaku). The beauty of Oborozukiyo is gone since Genji deflowered her. However, this is a western point-of-view of chastity meaning beauty and innocence but not necessarily in this time and culture. Her beauty keeps on growing like the cherry blossoms’ short life.
3. Genji and Oborozukiyo's encounter was brief much like the life of a cherry blossom.

Image of Genji and Oborozukiyo. (http://www.pref.kyoto.jp/inpaku/story/08hananoen_e/08hananoen_e.htm)

Chapter 7: Momiji no Ga

Chapter 7: Momiji no Ga
Beneath the Autumn Leaves

Facts:

• The word “momiji” is believed to be from “momizu”, which means in old Japanese, to change colour. It turns red or yellow. Momiji has 5 lobes.
• We should not get mixed up with “kaede” which is a maple leaf that has 3 lobes.
• Momiji are favoured for their asymmetrical lines and the unique shape of its leaves.
• Also they are favoured for the bright orange, yellow, or red colour they turn in autumn, which relates to the “wabi sabi” concept of impermanence.
• To this day Maple Leaf Viewing is very popular only second to Sakura Viewing.

Leaves of Chinese sweetgum “kaede” (left) and American sweetgum “Momiji” (right)
(http://www.inh.co.jp/~hayasida/E-repo1.html)

In relation to Genji:

1. Leaves are plain and can be easily outshined by other things. “[L]eaves were gone from Genji’s Headdress, leaving it shamed by the brilliance of his face […]” (137), this quote shows that even the main attraction of the chapter can be easily outshined by Genji’s beauty.
2. Dame of Staff is a much older lady and would be considered to be a lady in her autumn years (however, a very western point-of-view). She should be “dissolute even in her declining years” (145). Despite her age she still acts very youthfully by exchanging poems and banter with Genji. Dame of Staff is similar to a maple leaf in that they both have matured and changed. They are appreciated in their own way.
3. A flower versus a leaf would have different factors in its favour. Dame of Staff is a leaf that is not fully appreciated because she is not taken seriously by her two lovers, Genji and To no Chujo. Genji even thought the idea of a woman in her forties caught between two young lovers was “absolutely absurd” (148).
4. Leaves fall on the ground as a natural part of their life. This is related to Genji because the Dame of Staff in many ways has fallen out of Genji’s life due to her age. Leaves only fall to the ground in a certain time in their life, autumn.

Chapter 11: Hanachirusato
Falling Flowers
For such a short chapter three things coming up: The Laurel tree, the cuckoo bird and the orange tree. This chapter is the calm before the storm sorta speak. He has fallen from the grace of the Empress Mother, hence the title.

Laurel tree: The name is said to be connected with the Latin word laus, "praise”

Fables: Apollo having slain the Python, the ancient serpent, formed from the slime left after Deucalion's flood, fled for purification to the laurel-groves of the vale of Tempe. Here he became enamored of the nymph Daphne, the daughter of the river Peneus, and on his pursuing her she took refuge in her paternal stream, and was metamorphosed into a laurel. Apollo, returning to Delphi, instituted the Pythian games to commemorate his victory, and the prizes there awarded were chiefly crowns of the leaves and berries of the shrub, which henceforth was looked upon as sacred to the god--the Laurea Delphica, or Apollinaris. Apollo being the god of poetry, his emblem, that of victory and clemency, became the favourite of the poets, and hence of scholars generally, so that successful graduates of universities or other learned men became known as "laureates," or "baccalaurei," from the berried crown. Such graduates, like the fellows of colleges down to our own time, were not allowed to marry, lest the duties of husband and father should take them from their literary pursuits, and hence the term "bachelor" became extended to unmarried men in general.

The Laurel was also believed to be a protection against lightning; and accordingly, the Emperor Tiberius, when it thundered, wore a laurel-wreath made from the tree, at the imperial villa on the Flaminian Way, which sprang from a shoot said to have been miraculously sent from heaven to Livia Drusilla. Used as an emblem of truce, like the olive, both trees were equally forbidden to be put to any profane uses; but the crackling of burning laurel-leaves was also employed as a means of divination.

The infusion of the leaves, known as laurel-water, seems first to have been recognized as "one of the most speedy and deadly poisons in Nature," about the year 1731, by the Abbe Fontana. A few crumpled leaves may produce sneezing, and will rapidly prove fatal from their fumes to moths and butterflies. They may, like peach-kernels, be used in small quantities for flavoring. (http://www.2020site.org/trees/laurel.html)

Mountian Laurel

In relation to Genji:

1."From a great laurel tree the wind brought him a fragrance reminiscent of the Kamo Festival, and with a rush of feeling he recognized in this strangly engaging place one where he had called onece before"
in the footnotes: "Participants in the festival wore heart to heart (aoi) and laurel (katsura) leaves in their headdresses; the leaves of both are heart shaped"(223).

2. "The Laurel was also believed to be a protection against lightning" Genji leaves Hanachirusato only to walk into the storm at the end of the next chapter (12) He is therefore no longer protected.

3. The leaves "used as an emblem of truce... were equally forbidden to be put to any profane uses". Genji writes Reikeiden poetry, which one would assume could possibly lead to 'sexual relations'.

4."Graduates of university were not allowed to marry, lest the duties of husband and father should take them from their literary pursuits...." Not that Genji isn't "married" but he isn't really from my western view of marriage. He seems to be a graduate of love and the duties of father and husband do not take him away from his pursuits of other women.

5. Genji is constantly praised by all and held in high regard

6. In Suma goes to live in mountain village where he is offered the Novice's daughter.

Cuckoo Bird
The Cuculidae or cuckoos are a family of near passerine birds. Many of the Old World species are brood parasites, laying their eggs in the nests of other birds. The best-known example of these is the European Common Cuckoo. The chick which hatches from the egg laid in another species' nest methodically evicts all other occupants.

The family also includes the American cuckoos, the roadrunners, the anis, and the coucals, none of which are brood parasites. Each builds their own nests in trees or bushes. Unlike many cuckoos, the coucals lay their eggs in nests on the ground or in low shrubs. These large tropical cuckoos are capable of taking vertebrate prey such as lizards.

These birds are of variable size with slender bodies, long tails and strong legs. Most occur in forests, but some prefer more open country. Most are insect eaters, with hairy caterpillars, which are avoided by many birds, being a specialty.
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cuckoo_bird)

In relation to Genji:

1. Genji goes to leave the house for fear that the lady known as Reikeiden (she was also named after a palace pavilion where she lived) would not recognize him, "just then a passing cuckoo called. This was encouragment enough" (223).

Encouragment from a bird that lays its eggs in other birds nests, getting rid of all the other occupants in the nest. Funny he lays an 'egg of love' so to speak in womans hearts. He also (forgive me) laid his egg in Fujitsubo- his father's wife's nest.

2. "A cuckoo, perhaps the one he had heard eariler, gave the same call. He supposed it rather charminly to have followed him" and then says to Reikeiden:

"Many fond yearnings for an orange trees scent draw the cuckoo on
to come find the village where such fragrant flowers fall" (224).

This is interesting because Genji can be seen as the cuckoo bird and Reikeiden as the orange tree. As the scent of the orange tree draws the cuckoo bird, he is drawn to Reikeiden. The cuckoo bird builds it's nest in trees and bushes, as he had made a nest in her tree long ago."He seems to have cared forever for each one of his loves" (224).

3. Cuckoo bird eats "hairy caterpillers" which are avoided by many birds. Genji goes after women of all ranks. Women that he shouldn't go after with his ranking (in Akashi, has relations with the daughter of the Akashi novice)

Orange Tree

Citrus fruits are all borne on shrubs or small trees which are evergreen, aromatic and usually quite thorny. The stem of each glossy leathery leaf has a pair of wings -- broad on some species but scarcely noticeable on others -- and a single spine at the base. The deliciously fragrant flowers have from 4 to 8 thick waxy white petals -- except for those of the lemon and citron, which are purplish-pink on the outside. You can smell an orange grove nearly a half-mile away, and the 5-petalled white blossoms are traditionally worn by brides during the marriage ceremony. Another striking thing is that an orange tree blooms at all times of the year and has flower buds, open blossoms, green fruit and ripe golden fruit -- all at the same time.
(http://www.newton.dep.anl.gov/natbltn/300-399/nb363.htm)

In Relation to Genji:

1. The scent of orange blossoms nearby called up a fond memory "He thought of how His Late Eminence, for whom she had never been one of his favorites, had nevertheless esteemed her gentle sweetness" and he wept (224). The scent of the oranges alludes to Reikeiden's sweetness?

2. With its transitional appearance in nature, you might use shades of orange to indicate transition or a bridge between two opposing factors. The colour orange usually brings to mind the season autumn- leaves falling- hence Genji's fall from grace. Genji is going through a transition period in his life now- moving from the city to the country.

3.Encouragement; adaptability; stimulation; attraction; sudden changes; control; power; to draw good things; to change luck. (journals.aol.com/asparinafescue/ResearchDefinitions). Genji's luck suddenly changes; he runs out of chances. He adapts in the following chapters. He is stimulated by the cuckoo bird. He is stimulated by a past memory of the woman who lives in the house. The cuckoo prompts Genji to stop by and see her.

4. Orange tree always blooms- therefore always petals falling, therefore always sorrow.

aoi

Futaba Aoi (Aoi) - Heart to Heart (ch 9)

Facts
- grows on the forest floor, consisting of a pair of broad, heart-shaped leaves that spring from a single stem.

- the leaves are usually green but can also be a purple/magenta colour.

- the crest of the Tokugawa family comes from this. (http://www.saitama-j.or.jp/~neck-tie/jp-site/shokubutsu/aoi/aoi.htm number 1259 and 408)

- Not very useful as a medicine since it is only used to cure some chest discomfort.

- small, purple flowers bloom in march to may (wow, purple again...).

- Also used to make a deep purple dye (similar to Murasaki).

- the aoi is a sacred plant of the Kamo Shrine and used in the aoi festival as a decoration. (more pics at http://wadaphoto.jp/maturi/index11.htm ; japanese + midi so watch out!)
For this reason, it is also called the "kamo-aoi".

In relation to Genji

- the beginning of Ch 9 takes place at the Aoi Festival in April.

- "In its Heian spelling (afuhi), the word can also be read to mean 'day of (lovers') meeting'" (163) - Truly, the day of the Aoi festival is the day that four of Genji's lovers (Aoi, Rokujo Haven, Murasaki and his admirer the Dame of Staff) meet and hate each other with jealousy.

- The dying Lady Aoi changes Genji's attitude towards her as his love for her grows: "the sight of her lying there...aroused his love and his keenest sympathy...he found himself unable to understand how for all these years he could have seen any flaw in her" (176). This can be seen as another afuhi, where the two hearts meet for the first time. Also beautifully illustrates the aware aesthetic.

- Not related to Lady Aoi, but the aoi plant is mentioned in the exchange of poems between Genji and the Dame of Staff. I looked at the original Japanese text because the English confused me, and it seemed to be a pun between Aoi and afuhi. ("I was hoping to meet you on this "day of lovers' meeting" but I see you have someone else (Murasaki) with you")

- The colour of Aoi's flower is purple, the same as Fujitsubo and Murasaki. I find this significant since they all hold significant roles in Genji so far.
(Fujitsubo = Genji's first love, Aoi = Genji's first wife, Murasaki = Genji's favourite) Just a suggestion ^^;

Chapter 6: Suetsumuhana
The Safflower

Facts:
Traditionally, the crop was grown for its flowers, used for colouring and flavouring foods and making dyes. Usually yellow or orange in color, although some varieties have red or white flowers.

Safflower is an annual species in the same plant family as sunflower.

Safflower is one of humanity's oldest crops, but generally it has been grown on small plots

Oil has been produced commercially and for export for about 50 years, first as an oil source for the paint industry, now for its edible oil for cooking, margarine and salad oil. Over 60 countries grow safflower. (http://www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/afcm/safflower.html)

Uses:

Diaphoretic, diuretic.

Taken hot, safflower tea produces strong perspiration and has thus been used for colds and related ailments. It has also been used at times for its soothing effect in cases of hysteria, such as that associated with chlorosis.

Powdered seeds made into a poultice used to ally inflammation of the womb after child birth.

Flowers of this herb are useful for jaundice.

(www.holistic-online.com/Herbal-Med/_Herbs/h164.htm)

In relation to Genji:

1. His real name is Suetsmuhana yet her name Safflower comes from a poem by Genji.

2. She's a princess- daughter of His Highness of Hitachi- A prince who had held the title of Governor of Hitachi. Genji thought her rank would make her “flaunt no modish charms and exhibit a distinguished manner” (120) yet she is painfully shy, old fashioned and "inexperienced".

3. Apparently Safflowers yields a scarlet dye which is a colour that turns up throughout the novel.

4. Suestsmuhana is introduced to Genji by Taifu, the daughter of Nurse Saemon, Genji's favourite nurse. Taifu says of Suestsmuhana " I know little about her charater or looks. She is so shy and reticent... Her one real friend seems to be her kin" (114).

Facts about the Kin:
The Japanese Koto originated from China at B.C. 2000, known as Kin. The Kin measured 7 feet 2 inches (about one foot longer than modern instruments), and had only five strings. In the Chew Dynasty, 150 years later, a sixth string was added, and later, a seventh. The early Kin remained a seven-stringed instrument for a long period of time.

The Koto is six feet long, 10 inches wide, Paulownia wood instrument with 13 strings of equal size and tension. The Koto is made of two pieces: a flat bottom and curved upper piece. Today synthetic fiber such as tetron are used for strings, traditionally they used silk strings.

Interesting that it is made from Paulownia tree!

5. Genji and To no Chujo both try to woo her. At first both were ignored by her. "Who by now can doubt that very few rebuffed him or received him with indifference? Those who remained willfully cool simply failed, in the prim and proper heartlessness of their ways, to know their place..." (113). Genji presses Taifu about her and they plot to introduce him to her.

6. "The scene had it's charm, its pthos, and a strange appeal, but he felt cheated when she remained so inaccessible and so unresponsive that he had no pleasure from her at all" (123).

7. The way her looks are described, she seems not too attratctive. She was very long in the back and had a long lofty nose which drooped at the end, with a blush of red at the tip "a real horror" (124) She had a wide forehead and was really pale" slightly bluish"

Chapter Four: The Twilight Beauty

Yūgao, twilight beauty, evening face, and moonflower.

Japanese Moonflower folk-tale:

A couple is refused permission from the mayor to adopt a child, because they are too poor. The husband (a horse farmer and her cousin) is worried because without children, there will be no descendents to honour the memories of their ancesters.
A mouse-sized silvery white horse enters the home through a moon beam. On its back is a red cherry tree branch and a tiny baby - named Moonflower. The moon's voice speaks to the couple, giving the black-haired baby to the couple as a gift, theirs to raise until she reaches her 18th birthday. She will bring the couple happiness and good fortune, but is destined to leave them and is forbidden to marry anyone from Earth. The tiny baby then grows to a regular earth baby size, and is revealed to be holding a grand ruby.

The ruby is sold for money, over the years the couple's farm does indeed become very prosperous. Moonflower herself grows up to be beautiful and well-recieved by the community. The couple is still concerned with the prospect of Moonflower leaving them, and once again faced with having no hope for grandchildren. Moonflower smartly suggest that they ask to adopt now, since they are no longer poor. The parents agree, and are successful in adopting three boys and two girls.

On Moonflower's 18th birthday, the parents throw her a big party, inviting the entire village. A silver moon-beam lights a cherry tree, and beautifully dressed moon people materialize, joining in the festivities. A young man from the moon people appears, and asks Moonflower to return with him. He brings the moon horse that had carried Moonflower as a baby and now resides in his stables. The voice of the moon speaks, and says that because the couple has used the years well and brought happiness to many children, they will be awarded by visits from Moonflower and her husband and children every year. The occasion then transforms into a wedding as Moonflower, and as they depart they spot two moon horses by the cherry tree, a final gift from the Moon.

(http://www.pantheon.org/areas/folklore/folktales/articles/moonfl ower.html)

About the Moonflower (Ipomoea alba):
Its connection to the "evening face" is due to the fact that
the buds blossom most beautifully in the late afternoon and evening, but closes at dawn.
Has a nice perfume smell, but attracts moths.

(http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/hort/consumer/factsheets/vines/ipo mea_alba.html)
(http://www.floridata.com/ref/i/ipom_alb.cfm)

In relation to Genji:

1. As a vine, the moonflower is dependent on a supporting structure, it can not thrive otherwise. One of Genji's men describes the ones crawling over the fence in front of Yūgao's house as "pitiful" (56). Their reaction to the flowers is unfavourable, suggesting that they have come during the day when the petals have withdrawn, giving it a shrivelled apperance. Like the moonflowers, the fan that the servant gives Genji is "intensely perfumed" (56), and is inscribed with a poem from Yūgao.
2. Yūgao's poem (57) not only questions Genji's identity, but also identifies her own position to him as the evening flower. Like the disguised writing, the verse also acts as a disguised invitation.
3. The beauty of the moonflower is hidden from view during the day. Similarily, during the day Yūgao and the other ladies are hidden away inside the house, their beauty is not for public display.
4. The house acts as a medium of support for Yūgao, like a vine she needs it to survive. When she is removed from it she becomes fearful, judging from her responses to Genji it seems that she is very sheltered. Her trust in Genji is "inexplicably gone" (64), suggesting that he is is not able to take on the role of protection and support that the house offered.
5. The consequence for leaving the house for Yūgao is death. Although Genji is confident he would remain unharmed by the spirits, he fails to safeguard Yūgao from harm. Like the moonflower, when the sun rises Yūgao begins to shrivel- she perspires heavily before meeting her death. The short time they share together is intense and sweet, but her death ultimately reaffirms the transitory nature of beauty.
6. Possible connections to the folktale: Genji as the handsome young man who retrieves Moonflower from her rural farm home. Compared to her surroundings, Yūgao possesses a delicacy and grace that does not fit with the rough and uncouth neighborhood that she resides in. As a descendant of the emperor, Genji can be seen as a kind of figure descended from the heavens. Furthermore, the night they spend together is also the greatest full moon of the year.
   
   

Chapter Three: Utsusemi
The Cicada Shell

It has been reported that in China, shed skins or actual nymphs from a different species of cicada nymphs (all of which which are silent) are collected and ground up. A tea made from these skins is given to noisy, crying babies (like noisy, adult cicadas), in hopes of quieting them. People think the baby will then be quiet like the cicada nymph rather than noisy like the adult cicada. Similarly, the shed skins are used to treat “ringing in the ears.” The cicada nymph burrowing out of the ground has been a symbol of rebirth or reincarnation in a number of societies. For example, Native Americans of the Oraibi tribe believed that these cicadas had the power to renew life and made a medicine from them which was used to treat battle wounds. In Mayan, Aztec, and Chinese cultures, carved, Jade cicadas were placed on the tongue of a corpse prior to burial so that the deceased would some day re-animate and/or go on to better things like a cicada nymph coming out of the ground and shedding its nymphal skin. The Japanese, famous for their beautiful and intricate kites, frequently make these in the likeness of cicadas. In China, male cicadas are kept in cages in people’s homes so that the homeowners can enjoy the cicadas’ songs. In Navajo mythology, the cicada-god fought the birds and rescued Earth for humans. The people of Provence, France consider cicadas to be good luck. Good-luck charms in the shape of cicadas are popular items

A Zuni Legend:
“Once upon a time, a cicada singing from a pine bough excited the admiration of a coyote, who asked that he might be taught the song. He was not an apt pupil, but in the end, and after a fashion, he learned the tune. On the way home, the proud coyote stumbled in a gopher’s hole. Between the shock of the fall and the dust in his eyes and nose, every detail of the tune was forgotten. Twice an accident occurred, and twice the coyote returned to his teacher perched upon the pine bough. The second time, the distrustful cicada had resolved to take no more risks, but rather to teach the coyote a lesson of another kind. Strongly gripping the bark, he swelled and strained until his back split open and he was able to slip out of his old skin, which still retained its shape and position. Choosing a suitable quartz pebble, he popped this into the skin and flew to a neighboring tree. There on the pine branch, he left his empty skin which gave back no answer to the requests of the returning coyote. Soon the patience of the latter was exhausted, and with a spring he seized the counterfeit cicada and splintered his teeth on the stone inside. The teeth in the middle of his jaw were crushed so far down into his gums that one could barely see them, and all of his descendants to this day have inherited his broken teeth. So also, to this day, when cicadas venture out on a sunny morning to sing, it is frequently their custom to protect themselves by leaving their counterparts on the trees.” there. Facts:
The droning sound is produced by a pair of drumskin-like organs on the base of the abdomen. These vibrate at a high speed thus buzzing when the male cicada calls for a mate usually between mid-July and mid-September. Different species sing at different times of the day.

Once mating is complete, the female slits an opening in a small branch or twig with her ovipositor and deposits a small cluster of eggs. When the eggs hatch, the young nymphs drop to the ground, burrow down and begin feeding by sucking nourishing juices from the tree roots .

The nymphs remain in their subterranean world for approximately two years before they are ready to emerge into daylight and begin their adult lives. Other cicada species have a 4-17 year life cycle. (www.wnrmag.com/stories/1999/jun99/cicada.htm).

In 2004, a man who knew he was allergic to “shellfish” made the news when he had to be rushed to the hospital after eating, reportedly, 30 cicadas at once. Remember that, just as humans, birds, fish, frogs, and snakes are all members of phylum Chordata, so also cicadas, shrimp, millipedes, centipedes, and spiders are all members of phylum Arthropoda (biology.clc.uc.edu/steincarter/cicadas.html)

Yum!
Cicada Stir-Fry:
Ingredients:

• minced onion, coriander (cilantro), fresh gingerroot
• sliced carrots, chopped cauliflower and/or broccoli
• water chestnuts and/or other vegetables of your choice
• bean sprouts and snow peas
• blanched, teneral cicadas

In a wok or other suitable pan, heat a couple tablespoons of vegetable oil. Add ingredients in the order listed above when those in the most recent addition are partially cooked. Serve over whole-grain (“brown”) rice and add soy sauce to taste.

In relation to Genji:
1.Interesting how the young feed by sucking nourishing juices from the tree roots. It seems as if Utsusemi really gets to Genji at the "root" of his man hood. "Genji could not sleep."No woman has rejected me...."(47).
2.Also how the more Genji shows interest in her (harasses her) the more she "buries underground".
3. Utsusemi seems to attract Genji like the sounds of a Cicada. In the chapter "The Broom Tree"Genji listens intently for her until he hears pleasing sounds"....he was sufficiently curious about her to listen until he detected telltale sounds to the west: the rustling of silks and the pleasent voices of young women"(37).

Chapter One: KIRITSUBO
The Paulowina Tree

In ancient Chinese legend, the Empress Tree was considered an omen of good fortune because of its association with the Phoenix, a mythical bird that regenerated itself in fire (this interesting association might come from the tree's trait of being able to regrow from it roots after being burned or cut down). Apparently the Phoenix would only alight in the most choice Empress Tree in the land, and only when a benevolent ruler was in power. It would only land on Paulownia Trees… bringing prosperity and wisdom to those who were near. For this reason, Empress Trees were a favorite tree to plant, just in case a Phoenix happened to come to town.

Facts:
Paulownia trees are believed to bring good fortune to the household and all who enter.

A healthy Paulownia Tree can live for 80 to 100 years.

Traditionally, when Japanese couples have a daughter, they plant a Paulownia tree. When the daughter is ready to marry, they cut down the tree and make a dowry chest, furniture and other items out of it for wedding gifts.

After harvesting, a new Paulownia tree grows back from the stump and uses the same well-established root system.The roots grow very deep into the ground.

Paulownia trees is one of the fastest growing trees in the world 8-10 yrsit can grow to be about 40cm in chest diameter.

In relation to Genji:

Interesting that the title of the 1st chapter is Kiritsubo
Kiri:Paulownia tsubo: a small garden between palace buildings.

1.This gives one the sense of how Genji's mother came between the Emperor and consort.
2. It could be seen to foreshadow how Genji's seems to get into (cherry blossoms chapter 8) or how he is in love with the Emperors new wife Fujisubo and gets her pregnant or how his son with Aoi looks like the heir apparent or how Rokujo keeps getting in between Genji and his relationships with other women because of her jealousy.
3. A new Paulownia tree grows back from the stump and uses the same well-established root system... This tree could also represent how Fujisubo and Muaski look so much like Genji's mother
4.Far fetched but the tree is also called the Empress tree... could represent how the emperor fell in love with Genji's mother.
5.The tree's trait of being able to regrow from it roots after being burned or cut down.... Even though the consort and everyone's jealousy killed Genji's mother, Genji was born and everyone loves him.
6. The colour of the flowers on the tree.....pale violet purple colour stands for close relationship and lasting passion which the Emperor has for Genji's mother and which Genji has for Fujisubo.