Japan has a thing for strips of paper with writing on them. Otherwise known as tanzaku, this art form of writing something vertically and then posting it somewhere for the world to see is everywhere in Japanese society.

The earliest instances of these decorated slips of paper were believed to be associated with ancient Japanese divination rituals, and today they are used in the Star Festival, however, in the 1600s, they were mostly used to display poetry. That's what is happening here. During the 17th century, Japanese aristocrats considered spring and fall to be the time for poetry, and after recollecting their favorite verses they would copy them out on tanzaku, recite them, and then hang the work in trees to be blown away with the newly blossomed flowers or the dying leaves. This painting is probably the best rendition of this, short of a photograph. Tosa Mitsuoki specialized in painting with thin delicate lines which are perfect for this image as the tanzaku was traditionally decorated with silver and gold flakes as well as threads of silk.

Romantic as this custom may seem, for the Japanese, like most people, their love of poetry only goes so far. Mitsuoki’s painting leaves out a very important aspect of this custom, and that being: sake. That's right, a cornerstone of Japanese festivals (and really any festival world over) is alcohol. While the decoration of these trees is no doubt beautiful, ultimately it was just an excuse to get sloshed. This makes sense as sake production was originally restricted exclusively to the aristocracy and priests, so it's only natural it would be an integral part of all courtly affairs. So if you really want to get in the mood, and be romanced by the idea of poetic verses blowing in a perfect spring breeze, pour yourself a glass or two.