The Oak Poetry Society (Chinese: 櫟社), a classical poetry society in central Taiwan, was one of the three major poetry societies during the Japanese rule of Taiwan, and actively participated in cultural movements. Its key members were also involved in social affairs, for example, joining the Taiwan Parliament Establishment Petition Movement, facilitating the establishment of the Taiwanese Cultural Association, and launching the publication of the Taiwan Youth Journal. In 1919, they founded the Taiwan Literary Arts Magazine and made significant contributions to literature and social development.[1]
| Oak Poetry Society | |
 A commemorative group photo of the Oak Poetry Society in 1919. | |
| Hàn-jī | 櫟社 |
|---|---|
| Pe̍h-ōe-jī | Le̍k-siā |
| Tâi-lô | Li̍k-siā |
History
editThe Oak Poetry Society was founded in 1902 by Lin Chih-hsien (林癡仙), Lin Yu-chun (林幼春), and Lai Shao-yao (賴紹堯) in Wufeng, Taichung, taking its name from the Chinese character "櫟" (oak), meaning “useless wood”, in Chuang-Tzu (莊子), symbolizing "usefulness of the useless".[2] It flourished in 1910–1930. Its activities gradually declined due to political and societal changes after World War II, which further caused the decline of the poetry society.
The Oak Poetry Society held regular gatherings throughout the year, such as spring and autumn meetings and general assemblies. In its early years, society members interacted and connected with each other regularly through various gatherings, like conventions, small meet-ups, and monthly poetry gathering (月課) to improvise poetry in various forms according to the theme of the month.[3] However, due to difficulties with conventions in its later years, monthly poetry became irregular, and occasional small gatherings were used for interaction.
The society also published numerous publications, including the First Collection of the Oak Poetry Society and the Second Collection of the Oak Poetry Society, which featured poems by its members.[4][1]
See also
editReference
edit- ^ a b Liao, Chen-fu (2009). "百年風騷，誰主浮沉？－二十世紀台灣兩大傳統詩社：櫟社、瀛社之對照觀察" [A Century of Literary Trends: Who Takes the Lead? A Comparative Observation of Two Traditional Poetry Societies in 20th Century Taiwan: The Oak Poetry Society and the Ying Poetry Society]. Journal of Taiwan Literary Studies (9): 208–215.
- ^ 櫟社沿革志略 [Oak Poetry Society Historical Evolution Overview]. 1931.
- ^ Gu, Min-yao. "吾臺詩學日東升，櫟社第一負盛名--關於櫟社之成立及其影響" [Taiwanese Poetics Rise in the East: The First Resounding Name of Lì Society - On the Establishment and Influence of the Oak Poetry Society]. Donghai University Library Journal (49): 34–37.
- ^ Fu, Hsi-chi, ed. (1987). 櫟社沿革志略 ['Oak Poetry Society Historical Evolution Overview]. Taipei: Da Tong Bookstore.