Fuka-midori

A calm, dark green. In ancient times, dark indigo was also called Fuka-midori. This is probably because Japan also had a custom of calling green "blue." The Shin Kokin Wakashu (New Collection of Poems Ancient and Modern) contains the following poem: "How can its deep green hold out, the ancient sacred cedar on which winter showers fall without pause" (Retired Emperor Go-Toba). The meaning is, "Can even the evergreen cedar not resist? The ancient sacred cedar is receiving winter showers (heavy enough to make it drop its leaves)," and the poem apparently depicts the cedar as looking like a woman who cannot refuse a man's advances. The contrast between the calm Fuka-midori of the cedar leaves and the wavering feelings is memorable.