Microseason: Nightingales Sing

SPRING

FIRST OF SPRING

NIGHTINGALES SING

8 - 12 February

In Japan, when the word uguisu or nightingales (now most commonly known as Japanese bush warblers) are mentioned, two colors come to mind: uguisu and umé. Essentially, the soft green and pink tones that mirror nighingales and the plum blossoms that cuddle them. The motif of plum blossoms and nightingales has often been featured in poetry and paintings as a symbol of Spring.

One of the pleasures of Springtime is listening to these nightingales improve their skills over the season. Every year their begin the season by clearing their throats and the singing is still unpolished. But with practice, they are tuned back in to their best pitch.

It is said that during the Edo period, the head of Kaneiji Temple in Tokyo took thousands of nightingales from the Uguisudani neighborhood of Kyoto, named after their famous nightingales, and released them in Tokyo. Saying that the Tokyo nightingales needed good role models to improve their song.

Warbler on a Plum Branch, Utagawa Hiroshige

When gazing into the branches of Spring, what at first glance seem to be uguisu, you’ll notice that it’s actually mejiro, with its distinct white eyeshadow, enjoying the nectar of the flowers. Uguisu only make the rarest of appearances but their tune can be heard throughout the season. But they are there.

As a color, uguisu is part of the traditional color palette of Japan. A uniquely smoky greenish-brown shade that was highly popular during the Edo period.

Photo credit: Rakugo Stories, Egenolf Gallery, Traditional Colors of Japan