Japanese Flower Language (Hanakotoba)

Differences in the Language of Flowers by Country

　🌷Flower language🌷

The term "language of flowers" refers to the meanings and symbolism associated with different flowers. Each flower can convey a specific message or emotion, and this concept is often referred to as the language of flowers.
Although the meaning of flowers varies from culture to culture, some flowers and their meanings are universally recognized, such as the red rose, which symbolizes love. But it's not completely universal. For example, red roses are a common symbol of love in many cultures. However, interpretations of specific flowers can vary, so it is important to consider cultural background to better understand the language of flowers.
For example, in many Western cultures, chrysanthemums are associated with positive meanings such as joy and friendship. However, in some Eastern cultures, especially Japan, chrysanthemums can be associated with mourning and are often used at funerals. This shows how the interpretation of flower meanings varies from region to region and tradition to tradition.

🌷Japanese Flowers language🌷

💐Chrysanthemum

Kiku（Chrysanthemum） is Japan's national flower. It is a very important flower in traditional Japanese culture and history. Chrysanthemums have been familiar to Japanese people since ancient times, and chrysanthemum patterns have been used as emblems and family crests. In addition, the chrysanthemum motif in Japanese Kutani ware often has a positive meaning.

Chrysanthemums are a symbol of the imperial family and represent longevity and rejuvenation. Their appearance in Kutani ware may represent a wish for longevity and prosperity. The intricate and vibrant designs of Kutani ware often reflect cultural and symbolic meanings, and chrysanthemums are a common theme in Japanese art and ceramics, indicating their cultural importance.

Red chrysanthemum: Often associated with love and deep passion.
White Chrysanthemum: Symbolizes purity and truth.
Yellow Chrysanthemum: Represents unattended or neglected love. It can also symbolize the sun.
Purple Chrysanthemum: Associates with the feeling of wishing for the happiness of others.

It is important to note that these interpretations can vary and cultural background plays an important role in understanding the meaning of flowers in different societies.

💐Cherry Blossoms

The flower language of cherry blossoms is "transience. Cherry blossoms are beautiful, but the period from when they bloom to when they wither is very short, and their transience impresses the Japanese people. There are many other flower languages, such as "hope," "new beginning," "beautiful woman," and "respect," but the "transience" of cherry blossoms is especially well known. The cherry blossoms that bloom in the spring are popular throughout Japan as the cherry blossom viewing season. Its beautiful petals and fleeting nature attract many people. I think it is the most popular flower in Japan.

💐Japanese Primrose

The flower language of primroses includes "splendid melancholy," "painful memories," and "beautiful and fleeting love. The flower language of primroses often expresses beauty as well as melancholy and sadness, and comes from their delicate and ephemeral appearance.

💐Camellia

The flower language of the camellia represents includes "immortal love," "elegance," and "pride. Camellia is a beautiful flower that symbolizes strong will and elegance, and is loved by many people for its beauty and strength.

Red Camellia: "Passion", "Love", "Passionate Love".
White camellia: "purity", "cleanliness", "sanctity".
Pink camellia: "tender love", "kindness", "romantic".

Red camellias value the spirit of self-sacrifice, and their actions are praised. Such a spirit of self-sacrifice was historically treated as a symbol of noble death in the struggle against the enemy.

💐Lily

In the language of flowers, lilies symbolize love and purity, especially white lilies, which represent pure love. It also symbolizes a bright future and is said to bring luck, hope and good news. The appearance of the flower is delicate and elegant, so the language of flowers includes delicacy and elegance. It is also considered a noble flower, and because of its beauty, it is sometimes given as a flower language that expresses respect and esteem.

💐Manjushaka

Manjushaka is also called "Higanbana". This is because the flowering period coincides with the equinox. In Buddhism, the equinox refers to the vernal and autumnal equinoxes, which occur around March 21 and September 23, respectively. Manjushaka is a flower that often blooms during the autumn equinox season, and because the flowers can be seen during the equinox season, it came to be called ``Higanbana''. Higanbana are often seen around cemeteries and temples at this time, so they are also associated with Higan customs and views of life and death.

Red Manjushana: ``Rebirth of Death,'' ``Painful Love,'' ``Tomorrow,'' ``Beauty of Death,'' .
Orange Manjushana: ``Passion,'' ``Unchanging Love,'' ``Hope,'' ``Vitality,'' etc.
Yellow Mandushka: Yellow Mandushka does not have a clearly defined flower language, but the general flower language of yellow includes ``brightness,'' ``vitality,'' and ``hope.
White Manjushana: ``Cleansing,'' ``Purity,'' ``Eternal Love,'' ``Healing,'' ``New Beginnings,'' .

🌷Flower arranging🌷

By arranging flowers with the language of flowers in mind, you can give flowers a specific meaning or emotion. When sending flowers as a gift, you can clearly convey the sender's thoughts and intentions by including a message card related to the language of flowers. In this way, the language of flowers has become an essential element in presenting or decorating fresh flowers. Please consider the language of flowers when arranging flowers.