ABSTRACT
Hana 花 (華, Sino-Japanese pronunciation: ka) is a noun that literally designates (1) a flower, blossom; and (2) cherry blossoms, plum blossoms; it figuratively describes (3) novelty, interest; (4) a flowery or gorgeous personality; or (5) a beautiful woman. It can be used to delineate conditions within which (6) something is good or advantageous or (7) attractive. The imagery of hana appeared first in poetic and religious writings and commentaries, where it often combined with other flora-related terms to describe artistic success or enlightenment, respectively. The first use of the term for performance and also the richest descriptions of hana can be found in secret writings by Zeami 世阿弥 (1363?–1443?) about the art form nōgaku 能楽 (nō theatre). He used hana to write about beauty, novelty, and audience reception. Parts of his earliest writing Fūshikaden 風姿花伝 (1400–18, Transmitting the Flower through Effects and Attitudes; Zeami 1974, 13–65; Hare 2008, 24–76) containing mention of hana can be found in some high school textbooks in use today ( Sanseido n.d.). Modern and contemporary uses of the term do not compare to the richness of meaning found in premodern contexts.
