Edo castle at the back

David’s English
in my province
even trained monkeys
wear noble hats

waga kuni wa saru mo eboshi wo kaburi keri

一茶
我国は猿も烏帽子をかぶりけり

by Issa, 1816

David's comment
A jab at local politicians? Literally, Issa says that the monkey is wearing the courtly headgear of a nobleman. Dancing monkeys perform their tricks in the New Year's season.

sakuo’s comment
The founder of Edo government is Ieyasu.
When he come into Edo castle firstly, his horse got injured at the leg.
A monkey dancing team prayed for the horse. After saving the horse ,
the monkey team got high confidence from the founder and got special
permition that was free entrance to the castle at three times a year .
They were given money as rewards every year.
In Edo era, there were many monkey dance teams in Edo city.

sakuo Renku
edo-jyou wo seni saru ibaru kana

Edo castle at the back
were monkeys arrogant

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