Each of the four seasons is beautiful and they are all essential elements to express Japanese quaint atmosphere and seasonal feelings. Since ancient times, the four seasons have been used as motifs in the fields of cooking, literature or craftwork to express Japanese culture, or “Japaneseness”.
In Japan, where there are clearly four seasons – spring, summer, autumn and winter, you can see seasonal flowers throughout the year. Today we would like to introduce small Furoshiki (wrapping cloth) with seasonal flower motifs.
These Furoshiki are good not only as a makeshift bag or cushioning material for storage of glasses, tableware, etc., but also for gift wrappings. Every flower has its own flower language. Would you like to select the one which can express your message or feeling and give it to your beloved people?
Sakura (Cherry Blossom) – Purity and Innocence
Sakura is a Japanese national flower and the symbol of Japan. As its peak bloom lasts only for a short time, it is adored for its impermanent beauty.
The flower language of Sakura includes “purity”, “innocence” “elegance”, etc.
As Sakura is a lucky charm, it is good for gifts for your family or friends as well as for celebrations such as weddings, etc.
Fuji (Wisteria) – Softness
Fuji is referred to as a flower symbolizing woman, and its flower language is associate with love and romance, such as “softness” and “fall in love”. In one of Japanese cultures, Fuji is compared to a woman while pine tree is compared to a man. People would visualize a good old graceful Japanese woman from Fuji, which has modest but elegant looks.
Not only for wedding gifts, it is also good for stylish accessory to provide good old modesty and elegance.
Asagao (Morning Glory) – Affection
Asagao represents “affection” and also “love in vain”. This originates from the fact that Asagao blooms in the morning and fades in the evening.
Otherwise, it also represents “strong bond” as it firmly winds around a prop while growing.
Himawari (Sunflower) – Passion
Himawari is a representative summer flower, and “passion” and “summer” is a good match. It also has a meaning of “looking at only you” as it always blooms toward the sun.
Himawari is a good motif for gifts for family, friends or other beloved people, not only for lovers.
Momiji (Maple) – Beautiful Change
The flower language of Momiji is “beautiful change”. This may originate from the fact that Momiji is usually inconspicuous, but it gets colored beautifully in autumn. So, Momiji is good for gifts celebrating “Shichigosan (a festival for children of three, five and seven years of age)” or coming-of-age ceremony as well as annual wedding anniversary or 50th golden wedding anniversary.
Kikyo (Balloon Flower) – Eternal Love
Kikyo is the best motif to express your eternal love for your partner. It also means “sincerity” and “elegance”. Rather than ardent love, it represents matured long-term affection.
Tsubaki (Camellia) – Supreme Glamor
Tsubaki comes from Japan, and its flower language includes “supreme glamor”. Different colors have different meanings. White one represents “perfect beauty” while red one represents “modest virtue”. Either represents beauty, so Tsubaki is a symbol of glamor and virtue.
Ume (Plum) – Nobility
Ume is as beautiful as Sakura in different looks. Its flower language includes “nobility” and “grace”. In particular, white one represents “elegance”. In Europe the flower language of plum is said to be “keep your promise”, “fidelity” or “beauty and longevity”. Either of them represents “sincerity” and “patience”.
Flower Languages
Each flower has different meanings or concepts. In addition to Furoshiki, there are a number of products with flower motifs including rice bowls, glasses, tableware, etc. Not a few Japanese people send gifts along with flower languages to carry their messages. It would be cool if you wrap the gift in floral Furoshiki. Or it would be also good if you adopt a flower motif in your clothes (e.g. scarf) depending on who you spend the day with!
Let’s send your messages or feelings with appropriate flower motifs!
