Britannica Sources used in this answer

How did the meaning of ukiyo change from medieval Buddhism to Edo popular culture?

Created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

Yellow letter tiles on a teal background spell 'what is a haiku?' with abstract calligraphic scribbles in the background — Japanese literature Three lines. Five, seven, five.

In the context of Japanese literature and culture, the term ukiyo underwent a significant transformation in meaning between the medieval period and the Edo period.

Medieval Buddhism: During medieval times, ukiyo was written with characters meaning "sad world" or "suffering world." It reflected a Buddhist worldview that emphasized the transience and impermanence of life, viewing the earthly realm as a place of sorrow and hardship from which one should seek detachment.1
Edo Popular Culture: During the Edo period (1603–1867), the term was written with different Chinese ideograms to mean "floating world." This shift reflected a new urban spirit among the common people, who embraced the fleeting pleasures of life rather than lamenting them. The "floating world" specifically referred to the vibrant entertainment districts of great cities like Edo, which featured licensed brothels, kabuki theaters, and other leisure activities.12

This transition mirrored the rise of a wealthy merchant class and a burgeoning urban culture that prioritized the enjoyment of love, beauty, and profit, as famously depicted in the ukiyo-zōshi ("tales of the floating world") genre of literature and the ukiyo-e art movement.123