第3回：風流な嘘編〜梅に鴬（うぐいす）の意外な真実。風流を優先した、日本人の「遊び心」

2026年の節分は2月3日、そして翌4日は立春。 暦の上では、いよいよ輝かしい春の幕開けを迎えます。

かつては一年の始まりと考えられていた立春。その前日である節分は、まさに「季節の分かれ目」として、邪気を払う豆まきや柊鰯で新たな年を清める大切な節目でした。

そんな春の訪れとともに、私たちの目を楽しませてくれるのが「梅に鶯（うめにうぐいす）」という美しい取り合わせです。

実はこの組み合わせ、生物学的には少し「おかしなこと」が起きているのをご存知でしょうか。

実は、野生のウグイスはとても警戒心が強く、梅の木のような開けた場所にはあまり姿を現しません。また、ウグイスの体は地味な茶褐色です。梅の蜜を求めてやってくる鮮やかな緑色の鳥は、実はその多くが「メジロ」なのです。

では、なぜ花札は「梅にメジロ」ではなく「梅に鴬」なのでしょうか。

それは、古今和歌集などの古典文学において、梅の香りとウグイスの声が「春のセット」として最も美しいとされてきたからです。写実よりも、心に響く「風情」を大切にする。

「これは本当はメジロなんだよ」と少し自慢げに話しながらも、あえて「風流な嘘」を楽しむ。そんな心の余裕も、花札が教えてくれる「粋」な知恵かもしれません。

京都アート花札

https://www.artrad.jp/items/103192886

Vol. 3: The Elegant Lie – The Unexpected Truth behind "The Plum and the Bush Warbler" A Japanese "Playfulness" that Prioritizes Poetic Sentiment

In 2026, February 3rd marks Setsubun, and the following day, the 4th, is Risshun (the beginning of spring). According to the traditional calendar, this is the long-awaited opening of a brilliant spring.

Risshun was once considered the true beginning of the year. Its eve, Setsubun, literally meaning the "division of seasons," was a vital turning point. It was a time to purify the new year with traditions like Mamemaki (bean-throwing to ward off evil spirits) and displaying Hiiragi Iwashi (holly and sardine heads).

As spring arrives, one beautiful pairing that delights our eyes is "Ume ni Uguisu" (The Plum Blossom and the Japanese Bush Warbler). However, did you know that from a biological perspective, there is something slightly "strange" about this combination?

In reality, wild bush warblers are very cautious and rarely show themselves in open spaces like plum trees. Furthermore, their bodies are a modest brownish-grey. The vibrant green birds often seen seeking nectar from plum blossoms are actually "White-eyes" (Mejiro).

So, why does Hanafuda depict "The Plum and the Bush Warbler" instead of "The Plum and the White-eye"?

The reason lies in classical literature, such as the Kokin Wakashu. Since ancient times, the fragrance of plum blossoms and the song of the bush warbler have been celebrated as the most beautiful "spring set." In Japan, we often value Fujyo (poetic sentiment) that resonates with the heart over strict realism.

While we might playfully point out, "Actually, that’s a White-eye," we choose to embrace and enjoy this "elegant lie." This kind of emotional breadth is perhaps the "refined wisdom" (Iki) that Hanafuda teaches us.

Kyoto Art Hanafuda https://www.artrad.jp/items/103192886