Meet the Poets of Hyakunin Isshu
Empress Jitō

Meaning

Spring has passed and summer seems to have come — white robes are said to be hung out to dry on the heavenly Mount Kagu.

Commentary

Mount Kagu could be seen to the east from Fujiwara-kyō, the capital where Empress Jitō ruled. In early summer it was said that white robes were dried on this sacred mountain. That sight of white cloth against the green hillside was a cherished sign that summer had arrived.

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