The Magic Holly in Japanese Literature

Abstract

THE JAPANESE Iliiragi translated is properly the Osmanthus ilicifolius,l and in spite of Ichiku Okamoto's statement that it was first transplanted from Korea during the Kyo'ho era (1716-1736),2 holly is a native of Japan. It is widely distributed in the main island and Shikoku, and used as a hedge plant. Its prickly and non-prickly kinds are distinguished as male and female holly.3 Holly called hihiragi or hiragi, is mentioned twice in the Kojilci, the earliest written record of Japan, compiled in 712 A. D. The first is in connection with the name of a deity, Hihiragi-nosonol-hana-madzumi-no-kami.4 Motoori suggests that hihiragi here may be only a kind of pillow word for the succeeding sono-hana, the flowers, and the remaining part of the name is corrupted beyond identification.5 Tominobu, however, suggests that the holly tree blossoms very rarely; hence it is described as madzumi, rarely seen. 1 Chamberlain accepts the latter interpretation and translates it: Deity Waiting-to-see-the-Flowers-of-the-Holly.7 The second passage in the Kojilci refers to a holly-wood spear eight fathoms long, which was given to Prince Yamatotake by the Heavenly Sovereign before he was sent to subdue the East.8 Later upon his successful return, the said spear was presented to the great