mono no aware 物の哀れ

物 の 哀 れ

mono no aware

I first heard this phrase 3 years ago shortly after I arrived in Japan. The wind was strong, causing sakura petals to fall from the trees. They blew around like a gentle pink tornado just outside the staff room. It was beautiful, but it didn’t last. Mono no aware, a somewhat untranslatable phrase can best be described as

the bittersweet awareness that everything is temporary

A melancholic wash of feelings accepting the fragility and transience of life and our place within it. Each person will attach differing personal sentiments however, all can agree that it is best symbolised by sakura. The shortlived beauties of spring.

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