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Yellow and Its Discontents

Comments: 8

ginko leaf

Throughout the neighbourhood the ginko trees are competing with each other to see who can most loudly proclaim the doctrine of The One True Yellow. They ring the playing field of the university shimmering in the breeze like cumulo nimbus clouds composed entirely of newly-hatched chickens.

But there are holdouts. Nestled in the billowing clusters, tucked in close to the trunks, anti-autumnal factions refuse to relinquish their green. It’s hopeless of course. With each shortening day their numbers dwindle as they realise the folly of their bravery in the face of a wintry inevitability.

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Posted to General Rants • 2001.11.25 (Sun) • 15:55

Comments

Posted by Craig 2001.11.26, 01:39

Here in Philadelphia, the ginko trees also compete in the odor category. The blocks blessed, or cursed, with an abundance of female ginkos can be detected as you approach. If you step on their rotting fruit, which is often unavoidable, you can carry their signature fragrance with you all day.

Interesting note, the first ginko trees were brought to America by John Bartram of Philadelphia. One of the 3 original trees still stands outside his pre-colonial home in the southwest section of the City.

Posted by jh 2001.11.26, 10:08

Hi, Craig. Don’t step on that fruit: you can eat it! Don’t know what it’s called in English (ginko fruit, I suppose) but it’s called “ginan” in Japanese. Best way is just to throw it into the rice cooker with the rice, nice and simple. It’s actually quite good (and apparently very healthy). It’s not unusual to see people gathering the fallen fruit to take home for a meal. -jh

Posted by -jh 2001.11.26, 10:16

Oops - proper spelling is “ginnan.” -jh

Posted by francesca 2001.11.26, 23:26

oh, the only thing I really miss of my life in Florence are the ginko trees in the park near home. Suddenly you remind me those magic trees, florence and everithing about that period. You, from japan! What a strange life.

please, walk on that yellow carpet for me too

francesca

Posted by jh 2001.11.27, 00:11

Oh, it’s a strange life alright, no doubt about it! I’m glad you stopped by. And I’ll happily walk through those leaves for you. The streets and sidewalks are covered with leaves now, and this is the time that Tokyo (which is not really a very pretty city at all) looks comfortable and lived-in. For me, seeing fallen leaves everywhere is the visual equivalent of the sound of a mountain stream. You just can’t help but feel more relaxed and peaceful. -jh

Posted by kevin fajjot 2003.04.14, 22:32