First Day of Spring

First Day of Spring - context Summary

Composed for the Lunar New Year

This haiku was written in 1687 and published in 1689 as part of the Arano collection, composed for the Lunar New Year. Created during Basho's later years, it reflects his philosophical preoccupation with the cyclical nature of time and seasonal continuity. The poem's simple juxtaposition of spring and autumn frames a reflection on endings and renewal, fitting the New Year occasion and Basho's mature interest in temporal continuity.