I returned home to Europe, cold rain outside the window, and romance sounds again
Bloomed a long time ago
Chrysanthemums in the garden
And love lives on
In my sick heart.
(Nikolai Kharito, Chrysanthemums, 1910)
To keep warm, I sort through sunny Korean autumn photos taken in Seoul. And at the same time, I remember the warm autumn in Tokyo. But better, the chrysanthemums themselves will tell about everything.
From Korean autumn with love.
Flowers, like people, in autumn in northern latitudes they are sad and hide in greenhouses, and in southern latitudes they rejoice at the end of the summer heat. In South Korea, I realized that the chrysanthemum is not sadness, but the sun. It’s a pity that then I didn’t behave seriously, I shot with an ordinary “soap box” in automatic mode, without bothering myself with “macro”. So, here you will not see individual pistils and stamens, but you will see chrysanthemums in a mass, in a stream, in a round dance, as an ordinary passer-by sees them, hurrying to the subway.
Seoul, Gangnam-gu(kor.강남구 new romanization gangnam-gu).
Here, next to COEX, on a sunny evening on October 27, 2006, I took my first photos of chrysanthemums on the run. True, in this ultra-modern area of Seoul, some Koreans stopped to bow to the Chrysanthemum. Most often this is done by elderly Koreans who studied under the Japanese. Indeed, in Japan it is customary to admire every shade and every petal of a flower, and at the same time think about the path traveled and the meaning of life.
"Don't be afraid to bend a little, you'll straighten up straighter" (Japanese proverb).
Japan and Korea are similar to each other as rival sisters, and each considers itself the first. And my chrysanthemums too. But, this is how to look, if from the East, then the sun first rises over Japan - the Land of the Rising Sun and illuminates Korea - the Land of Morning Calm, although Tokyo and Seoul are in the same time zone. But, when viewed from the West, the main culture went from China through Korea to Japan, transforming along the way. But made in China, it was, is, and will be, at least in Asia. And the best Chinese teas are not complete without small chrysanthemum flowers.
Chrysanthemum Nanjing, one of the species used in traditional Chinese medicine
In Europe, the name of the flower Chrysanthemum (lat. Chrysánthemum) comes from the Greek χρῡσανθής, “golden-colored”, and is explained by the yellow color of the inflorescences. This is a genus of annuals and perennials families Astrovye, close to the genera Yarrow and Tansy. It has 29 species. Chrysanthemums need temperate climate, but most of them grow in Asia: in China, Korea and Japan.
What is a chrysanthemum? Chinese, Korean, Japanese? delicate flower does not speak of citizenship.
Later I learned that this large yellow chrysanthemum with petals arranged asymmetrically and bent upwards is called "King's Pleasure" - Class 1 - Chrysanthemum - Irregular Incurve - "First-class Royal Pleasure with petals arbitrarily bent inward."
But the modest 16-petal chrysanthemum, which is sublimely called "silver / gold", approached the Imperial throne closest of all. V modern encyclopedias These are Japanese chrysanthemums (lat. Chrysanthemum Japanese, angl. Gold/Silver Chrysanthemum silver/gold chrysanthemum, Japaneseashizuri noji- giku Ashizuri- Holly wild roadside daisy). Blooms mainly from October to December
Imperial seal, 50 yen coin, 10,000 yen commemorative coin for the 20th anniversary of the accession to the throne reigning emperor and the Supreme Order of the Chrysanthemum established by Emperor Meji in 1876.
Unfortunately, I do not know exactly what kind of yellow chrysanthemum served as the original for its schematic representation on seals, coins and orders.
These small yellow chrysanthemums can also serve as a model for the Imperial Seal.
And in Tokyo, in the Shinto shrine complex Meiji Jingu, next to a gift from France - rows of barrels of Burgundy, we often saw large spherical chrysanthemums, which in New International Encyclopedia, 1902 were called JAPANESE - JAPANESE.
True, we were in Tokyo at the beginning of November, and the Chrysanthemum festival in Japan is celebrated on September 9th. In Japan, the ninth month, i.e. our September is called nagatsuki - the month of long nights or kukuzuki - the month of chrysanthemums. Nine in China, Korea and Japan is considered lucky number, and two nines in a row symbolize longevity. Therefore, starting from 1186, the day of September 9 in Japan turned into a holiday of Chrysanthemums.
In Japan, large spherical chrysanthemums with a diameter of more than 30 cm are especially valued. They are obtained by cutting off all inflorescences from the bush, except for one.
JAPANESE CHYSANTEMUM INCURVED TYPE - Japanese chrysanthemum petals turned inward
JAPANESE CHYSANTEMUM RECURVED TYPE - Japanese chrysanthemum with outward-curved petals
And these snow-white chrysanthemums are called in the encyclopedia OSTRICH PLUME - OSTRICH PLUME
Luxurious ostrich feather
We admired Japanese chrysanthemums in Meiji Jingu, this is not only the largest and most popular Shinto shrine in Tokyo, but also a sanctuary where the souls of Emperor Meiji, as well as his wife, Empress Shoken, “live”. During his lifetime, the Emperor bore the name Mutsuhito, and ruled Japan from 1868 to 1919. It is believed that never before in history has Japan made such a sharp leap from a backward feudal state to the number of leading world powers as during the Meiji era.
And in our IT century, advanced Japanese people come to Meiji Jingu to ask for the blessings of the gods in various life endeavors, whether it's passing an important exam, a birthday, a business project or a wedding.
Sunday afternoon, at the entrance to the Meiji Jingu. Chrysanthemums on the kimono of mothers, grandmothers and granddaughters.
The hairstyle and wedding kimono of the bride are also decorated with chrysanthemums.
And this kimono with chrysanthemums in the window of an expensive store.
Living Japanese chrysanthemums adorn the altar with the statue of the goddess Kannon (Kuan(shi)yin), found in 597 in the sea by two divers. The famous Japanese company Canon is named after this goddess.
Chrysanthemums next to the Kannon statue in the "golden hall" of Senso-ji Temple, the oldest Buddhist temple in Tokyo, built back in 628 on the site of the discovery of the Kannon statue.
But almost the same chrysanthemums adorn altars in ancient Buddhist temples in South Korea.
Chrysanthemums on the altar of the "Golden Hall" of Gakhwangchen at Hwaomsa Monastery, which belongs to the Chogye Order of Korean Buddhism.
Gakhwangjeon (각황전, Gakhwangjeon) is considered the largest of the "golden halls" of South Korea.And the name Hwaomsa (화엄사, Hwaeomsa, Skt Avatamsaka, Jap. Kegon) means "Temple of the Flower Garland". This temple was founded by an Indian monk in 544 in the mountains of Jirisan, was destroyed during the Japanese invasion in 1592. Nowadays, the restored temple of Hwaomsa has become one of the most famous temples of Korean Buddhism.
And on the territory of Hvaomsa in November, large Japanese chrysanthemums with petals curved inward bloom - JAPANESE CHYSANTEMUM INCURVED TYPE.
In addition to Buddhism, chrysanthemums in Korea have long served as a festive headdress in parades and folk dances, which in many ways have remained shamanic.
South Korea, Suwon. Opening of the annual cultural festival at Hwaseong Fortress and reenactment of the Jeongjo royal procession.
Hwaseong (화성) in translation meaning "Flowering Fortress" is included in the UNESCO register, was erected in 1794-1796 by order of Jeonjo, the 22nd wang (king) of the Korean state of Joseon, in order to place the remains of Jeonjo's father, frozen starvation on the orders of his grandfather as a result of palace intrigues.
I must say that since 1905, Korea was under the protectorate of Japan, then from 1910 to 1945 it was completely annexed. Over the years, Japan has carried out the technical, economic and cultural modernization of Korea with a hard hand. At the same time, free medical care and education were available to Koreans. The Japanese even now, before building their new plant in a foreign country, first open a university there, where they train well-trained technical personnel for themselves. As a result, over the course of 30 years, Koreans were assimilated, and still work and study almost like the Japanese. But, having achieved independence after the surrender of Japan in 1945, the first thing the Koreans began to eradicate everything Japanese, even cut down cherry trees. Trees and flowers suffer from politics, just like people.
In the 21st, South Korea began to forget old grievances and also organize a Chrysanthemum festival. But, of course, not like in Japan on September 9, but from October 16 to November 12, and they called it the Autumn Festival. But not only Korean, but also Japanese Chrysanthemums were allowed on it. And for this we have allocated the most prestigious and expensive place in Seoul COEX - the Conference Center and one of the largest international shopping centers in South Korea.
COEX, Autumn Festival.
But since Korea competes with Japan in everything, including courtesy, the way to the festival site began from the flower beds of Japanese Chrysanthemums.
In the center of modern Seoul JAPANESE CHYSANTEMUM INCURVED TYPE - Japanese chrysanthemum with incurved petals. Beauty is above politics.
But over half a century of independence, South Korea has its own korean chrysanthemums. Take a look at some of them.
The Korean chrysanthemum inflorescences are not so large, but very cheerful.
Round dance of Korean chrysanthemums.
And here everything is already beautifully mixed up: both delicate Korean, and 16-petal golden Japanese, and white-pink chrysanthemum "pompon" - pom pon chysantemum. And then a silver Japanese chrysanthemum was added.
And here, in a common dance, a silver Japanese chrysanthemum is also spinning.
In this society, the golden Royal Pleasure - "King's Pleasure" - Class 1 - Chrysanthemum - Irregular Incurve feels comfortable.
And here you just have a lot of fun
Exciting sea of chrysanthemums.
And next to you awaits the autumn decoration of rural courtyards.
Friendly family of small chrysanthemums
Korean autumn is unthinkable without yellow butterflies.
In Korea and Japan, the butterfly is a symbol of joy and happiness.
And even higher is a map of South Korea made of yellow chrysanthemums, ending in gray along the 38th parallel. In Korea, yellow is the color of the Emperor during the Joseon period, when Korea was united and indivisible, it lasted 518 years and ended with the annexation of Korea by Japan in 1910.
Chrysanthemum map of South Korea
And even higher - a sculpture of small chrysanthemums: Korean and Japanese.
Japanese and Korean chrysanthemums, hand in hand
Tokyo, Seoul
October, November 2006
♦ Heading: , .For several centuries, the Japanese chrysanthemum has been very popular with professional gardeners and florists. These plants bloom quite early, they are unpretentious in care, and also help to give the garden an original, more attractive look.
Chrysanthemum has a rounded regular shape of the bush and many small inflorescences. They are distinguished by a variety of shapes and shades, which is why they can become a real decoration of the garden.
The birthplace of chrysanthemum is Southeast Asia, where this plant has been known since ancient times. This is evidenced by numerous legends, legends and interesting facts about these flowers. They played a particularly prominent role in the culture of China and Japan.
Japanese chrysanthemums, whose photos show all their peculiarity, brightness and attractiveness, are very popular not only in the Land of the Rising Sun, but throughout Europe. In Japan, these flowers appeared in the 4th century and quickly spread there. They began to call them "kiku", which means "sun". The country began to cultivate new varieties of chrysanthemums of various shapes and colors.
In the 10th century, Emperor Uda opened the first exhibition of the most beautiful chrysanthemums in the gardens of his palace in Tokyo. Then such exhibitions became a tradition, and the chrysanthemum festival in Japan became an annual event.
writers, folk craftsmen and poets paid much attention to the plant and assigned a special place in their work. Numerous works of literature have survived to this day, scientific work, haiku couplets. Special place occupies the chrysanthemum in Japanese painting, so you can see the flower in various engravings. This indicates the importance of the plant for the culture of Japan.
Since 797, the Japanese chrysanthemum has been adorning the coat of arms of this country, depicted on coins and the highest order. In the past, the flower was depicted on samurai helmets, which symbolizes the rising sun.
In 1888, the Order of the Chrysanthemum was established in Japan. It was awarded to 100 people, which speaks of the value of this award. This flower has many different signs and superstitions.
Japanese chrysanthemums are considered a symbol of the sun. This flower denotes the rapid flow of life, its value and fragility. In addition, it is considered a symbol of long life.
A strong and flowering bush on the windowsill is considered an indicator of an emotionally stable atmosphere in the apartment. This plant helps to maintain mutual understanding and love in a married couple. In any case, the chrysanthemum will become a true decoration of the garden and home, and it also has useful properties.
The plant was brought to Europe from the Far East, where it was treated with special respect. Chrysanthemum almost immediately became a real decoration of the autumn garden.
This is a herbaceous ornamental plant up to 1.5 meters high, which can grow both outdoors and at home in a pot. The rhizome is thickened, sometimes completely woody, often branched, releasing shoots underground. Inflorescences can be small or large in various shades. The aroma of chrysanthemum is rich, specific, wormwood, but some varieties are distinguished by a subtle, delicate and spicy smell. Propagation is by seeds or cuttings.
There are many different shapes and types of chrysanthemums. This plant often becomes a collector's item for many gardeners.
According to the system developed by scientists of the imperial park, in Japan, chrysanthemums are first of all divided into those growing in wild nature and cultivated. cultivars divided into decorative and edible. Decorative are divided by flowering time into:
Autumn chrysanthemums are the largest group of plants in terms of numbers, which are mainly grown in the country. It includes small-flowered, medium-flowered and large-flowered species. The diameter of small-flowered Japanese chrysanthemums does not exceed 9 cm. Terry - miniature plants with a basket diameter of up to 3 cm, with a skeleton inflorescence, which in their shape resemble a fish tail. By the number of rows of reed corollas, they are eight-layered.
Mid-flowered chrysanthemums include plants with a diameter of 9-18 cm. They consist of reed flowers with flat or tubular corollas. This category also includes flowers for special purposes, such as those intended for religious purposes.
Large-flowered chrysanthemums in Japan include varieties with inflorescences with a diameter of more than 18 cm with flat or tubular corollas. Depending on the diameter of the corolla tube, they are divided into thin-tubular, medium-tubular and thick-tubular.
Golden Japanese chrysanthemums, the photo of which allows you to appreciate their beauty and the peculiarity of the flower, look great on garden bed, at home on the windowsill, in winter gardens and bouquets. In addition, they can be used for culinary purposes, as young inflorescences are quite edible.
Now seedlings different varieties chrysanthemums are on sale almost all year round. In Russian latitudes, perennial Japanese chrysanthemums, which are frost-resistant, have gained particular popularity.
To grow strong and healthy plant, you need to choose the right seedlings. When buying them, you need to pay attention not only to the general appearance, but also to the quality and quantity of buds. They should begin to open up and show the tips of the petals. Only in this case, after planting in the soil, the chrysanthemum will surely bloom. If the plant was purchased with green buds, then the flowers may not open.
Recently, golden Japanese chrysanthemums have gained particular popularity. They bloom profusely, decorative and very beautiful. There is absolutely no difficulty in growing them from seed. Sowing is carried out directly on the flower bed or by growing seedlings.
Seeds are sown in the flower bed from mid-May. This method is suitable for almost all types of annual chrysanthemums. For this you need:
When the very first shoots appear, you need to remove the film, and after 7 days fertilize. When the plants are about 7-12 cm tall, thin them out.
You can plant flowers, having previously grown material for seedlings. In this case, chrysanthemums begin to bloom earlier. Seeds are sown in late February or early March. For this you need:
Put the seed container in a place where the temperature is at least 24 degrees. Boxes with seedlings need to be ventilated periodically. After 10-14 days, remove the film and place the containers in a bright place. After the appearance of the first 4-6 leaves, thin out the plants. In May, after the first frosts have passed, plant them in flower beds.
To make the plant strong and strong, you need to know how to grow Japanese chrysanthemums. The flower requires a sunny place, as well as well-drained neutral or slightly acidic soil. In low light, the shoots are strongly stretched and thinned, and flowering is late.
Chrysanthemums love well-fertilized soils. On such soil they bloom very magnificently. If the soil in the garden is not fertile enough, then before planting the cuttings, you need to make:
Chrysanthemum cuttings are best planted not in holes, but in a trench at a distance of 30-50 cm from each other. It depends on the size of the plant and the main features of the variety. After planting, you need to water the soil in the trench with a solution of Kornevin (1 g of product per 1 liter of water). This contributes to the formation of a more powerful root system. As a result of this, a beautiful and strong plant will develop from a young twig.
From above, seedlings need to be covered lightweight material. It will create the most favorable microclimate. The film will help protect the plant from direct sunlight and warm during the cooling period.
Growing a Japanese chrysanthemum does not cause any trouble, as it is very easy to care for a flower. Since chrysanthemums are planted in the spring, they need to be shaded a little from the scorching sun. To do this, you need to use non-woven material. It is positioned so that the fabric does not touch the leaves.
Chrysanthemum needs to be watered often, as it is moisture-loving. for watering better fit settled or rainwater. If this is not possible, then a little ammonia should be added to ordinary tap water to make it softer.
If chrysanthemum bushes grow in partial shade, then you may have to adjust the shape of the plant. Immediately after planting, the top of the sprouts is pinched, and after 3 weeks the procedure is repeated.
In the year of planting, Japanese white chrysanthemums do not fertilize. In the future, it is recommended to apply fertilizers 2 times per season, namely, at the initial stage of the growing season and when laying buds.
Chrysanthemum loves organic and mineral complex fertilizers. During the flowering period, phosphorus-potassium supplements are required. It is necessary to water chrysanthemums with fertilizer only under the root, since if they get on the leaves they will cause a burn.
It is very good to use rotted mullein or chicken manure for dressing, which must first be diluted with water. Before fertilizing, the soil needs to be slightly moistened. You can use ready-made granular fertilizers based on chicken manure or manure.
Golden Japanese chrysanthemums suffer from diseases. This is mainly due to improper fit and care. This may be insufficient watering, an incorrectly selected site and errors in soil preparation. If the flowers of the chrysanthemum have become smaller, and the leaves have begun to wither, then you need to transplant it to another place.
For a plant especially dangerous pests are aphids and spider mites. To kill aphids, bushes should be washed with soapy water, repeating the treatment every 7-10 days. The treatment of the plant with a solution of "Pyrethrum" helps well. In the fight against aphids and spider mites, an infusion of garlic has proven itself well.
The chrysanthemum itself is an amazing plant, as it can act as an texicidal agent. It helps in the fight against the bear, as the flowers and leaves contain a special essential oil with a specific smell.
The best way to propagate chrysanthemums is the division of the rhizome, as this will preserve the varietal characteristics of the plant. After a few years, it has rather dense shoots and stops a little in development, which means it loses its decorative qualities. This means that it's time to update the flower.
The best time for this is spring, when the shrub is ready for planting. To do this, divide the plant into several equal parts. The place of the cut must be immediately sprinkled with ash so that the chrysanthemum does not get infected. If you need to get several shoots, then cuttings are ideal for this.
Before the plant begins to bloom, you need to cut off dense branches and lower them into water or wet sand. After a few days, such cuttings will take root, and they can be transplanted into fertile soil.
It is important not only to know how to grow chrysanthemums, but also how to keep them until spring. Bushes need to be dug up annually for the winter and planted in soil mixed with sand, sawdust and peat. This will better retain moisture. After that, you need to take the plant to a cool place.
In warm regions, chrysanthemums can be left to winter in flower beds. To do this, before the onset of cold weather, it is recommended to cut the stems of flowers to 10-15 cm and sprinkle their roots with a thick layer of organic mulch.
After looking at the photo of a bouquet of golden Japanese chrysanthemums, you can say for sure that these are just excellent flowers that can be a decoration for your home. Thanks to the efforts of breeders, they can be grown on windows. Caring for them is quite simple and for this you need to remember that chrysanthemums:
It is imperative to remove faded flowers in a timely manner so that the plant does not lose its decorative qualities. young plant you need to transplant 1 time per year, and an adult - 2 times a year.
By following all these simple rules for growing chrysanthemums, you can get a healthy and strong plant with lush flowering.
In the minds of the Japanese, the chrysanthemum and the Sun are inseparable. Even the words denoting these concepts sound the same - "kiku" and are depicted with one hieroglyph. So that main flower Japan is named after the luminary, from which, according to legend, the Japanese people trace their history. 
A very honorable place is given to the chrysanthemum in the state symbols. Presumably, since the 7th century, when the chrysanthemum pattern adorned the mikado blade, it has been considered the emblem of the Japanese emperors. The stylized golden flower with sixteen double petals remains the coat of arms of the Imperial House to this day, and sometimes also serves as the state emblem: on coins, seals and official documents. It was this image of a chrysanthemum that was considered sacred, the right to it, in particular, to wear clothes with a pattern of a 16-petal flower, belonged exclusively to members of the imperial family. Ordinary Japanese who violated this order were threatened with the death penalty. The same chrysanthemum flaunts on the Order of the Chrysanthemum, established in 1888 and to this day considered the highest and most honorable award in the country. However, for the Japanese sunny flower- not just a symbol frozen in metal. This plant in Japan is surrounded by love and care. The Japanese have no equal in the industrial cultivation of chrysanthemums, in the creation of new varieties with a variety of shapes and colors. Obviously, due to the long flowering period, the chrysanthemum represents happiness and longevity. There is a belief that the dew collected from the chrysanthemum prolongs life.
Japan's highest order - Order of the Chrysanthemum
This order exists in two degrees: the Order of the Chrysanthemum with a chain and the Order of the Chrysanthemum on the Grand Ribbon.
Japan's highest award - Order of the Chrysanthemum with chain was established by Imperial Edict No. 1 of January 4, 1888, which states that they are "awarded to those who are already holders of the Order of the Chrysanthemum on the Great Ribbon." Only princes of the imperial family, the highest aristocracy, national heroes and heads of foreign states can be awarded the Order of the Chrysanthemum with a chain.
Actually the chain of the highest Order of the Chrysanthemum has 12 links made of gold. These links are interspersed with gold chains by thirty medallions with gold chrysanthemums surrounded by green enamelled leaves.
The badge of the Order of the Chrysanthemum with a chain 60 mm in diameter is made of gold. In its center is a strongly convex sphere (cabochon) made of Japanese red enamel, resembling a ruby in appearance. It is surrounded by 32 white-enamelled double rays of various lengths that form a cross. The cross is framed by leaves made in green enamel and four symmetrically arranged chrysanthemum flowers covered with yellow enamel. The badge of the order is attached to the chain with a large pendant in the shape of a chrysanthemum, covered with yellow enamel. The badge of the order and the chain contain 300 grams of 950 gold.
Order of the Chrysanthemum on the Grand Ribbon designed to reward the Japanese and foreigners from among members of the imperial and royal families and the highest aristocracy, as well as heads of foreign states.
The badge of the Order of the Chrysanthemum on the Great Ribbon bears the same appearance, which is the sign of the Order of the Chrysanthemum with a chain.
In addition to members of the imperial house, only 13 subjects of Japan were awarded this highest award. Their list is "closed" by the former prime ministers Yoshida Shigeru and Sato Eisaku, who were awarded posthumously in 1967 and 1975, respectively.
The Order of the Chrysanthemum with a chain was awarded to US President D. Eisenhower (1960), Queen Elizabeth of Great Britain (1962), top leaders of Malaysia, Afghanistan, and Saudi Arabia.
Chrysanthemum depicted on coins
late autumn
None compare to a flower
With white chrysanthemum.
Give her your place
Avoid her, morning frost! Saigyo
Chrysanthemum - the favorite of Japan, it has been cultivated here since time immemorial. This is the national flower, the whole population is fond of it, starting with the mikado and ending with the last rickshaw. Its image is sacred, and according to state laws, only members of the imperial house enjoy the right to wear matter with its design. The rest Violations of this law are punishable by death. Any attempt to portray this emblem of the Japanese empire and the symbol of imperial power is also punishable by death, and therefore the Japanese government sometimes even resorts to depicting it to prevent the counterfeiting of government banknotes. 
So, several years ago, the director of the government printing house of state postage stamps resorted to the image of a chrysanthemum in order to prevent the fabrication of old postage stamps, which were acquired willingly and for a lot of money by foreign collectors. But cunning forgers bypassed him. As known, only the symbolic chrysanthemum (chrysanthemum) with 16 petals enjoys the power of government protection. The Japanese artists, very cunning and clever in imitation, reproduced to perfection a whole series of "old" postage stamps, but depicted a flower with only 14 and 15 petals. If a flower had 16 petals, forgers would be in danger of being subjected to hara-kiri, and for chrysanthemums with less or a large number petals, no one has the right to pursue them, and they calmly continue to sell their fake stamps for good money to inexperienced lovers. 
Itsukushima Sacred Gate
There are two types of ordinary passport, with different validity periods: five and ten years. Citizens under the age of 19 can only get a five-year passport, those who are 20 or over can choose which passport to use: a five-year (blue cover) or a ten-year (red cover) passport for a different registration fee.
As for the fake of the real state emblem of the chrysanthemum with 16 petals, the Japanese, strictly observing and respecting all the laws of their country, never even tried to reproduce it; at least until recently there was not even such an attempt. The image of this flower is placed on the national flag, on coins and on the highest Japanese order, which even bears the name of the Order of the Chrysanthemum. The reason for such a high veneration by the Japanese of this flower is best explained by its very name: "kiku" (sun). He is their symbol of this luminary, giving life to everything on earth. The chrysanthemum began to use such a symbol of power in Japan, apparently, a very long time ago, back in the 12th century, as evidenced by the first image of it on the blade of the saber of the mikado that reigned at that time. This flower is associated in Japan with one of the most beloved national folk holidays- the feast of the chrysanthemum. In order to explain such a festival, it must first be said that, as is well known, there are no Sundays in Japan and China, and therefore weekdays, working days, would have to follow uninterruptedly in a weary monotony all year round, if you didn’t create a nation of holidays that would break this monotony. and bring some fun to life.
And among such festivities The first place among the Japanese is occupied by flower holidays.
In February, holidays are held on the occasion of flowering in, in March - peaches, in April - cherries, in May - known to us more under the name of wisteria, in June - bindweeds and peonies, in October - chrysanthemums, and in autumn people also quit work and run to admire the reddening and yellowing foliage of Japanese maples . The greatest luxury and charm are distinguished spring holiday - cherry blossoms and autumn - flowering of chrysanthemums.
Such a wonderful tradition is still alive: since 831, it has been customary in Japan to celebrate the Chrysanthemum Festival. One of the most beautiful and loved by the Japanese, this festival is held annually in the fall.To this day, in the capital and other Japanese cities, festivals and exhibitions of these sunny flowers are held, compositions from them, for the creation of which plants are taken only from the root in order to preserve their freshness and beauty for as long as possible. And in one of the largest centers of Japanese floriculture, the city of Nihonmatsu, an exhibition of chrysanthemum dolls is held in autumn. The basis of human-sized figures is made of bamboo, the face, arms and legs are made of papier-mâché, and the costumes are “sewn” from flowers of various shades. During the celebration, as in ancient times, you can try a chrysanthemum drink. They say it is healing and pleasant to the taste.
exhibition of ningyo dolls made of live chrysanthemums
chrysanthemum not just love - she is worshiped from young to old, from the emperor to the last beggar. From ancient times, when chrysanthemums bloomed, ordinary people decorated their houses with them, and the nobility rode "chrysanthemum" boats. They wrote poems about chrysanthemums, sang songs, and poetic competitions were organized for them.These poems were written and are being written in ink on long strips of paper and are glued to trees.; so that not only people read them, but even the wind, as it were, spreads the news about them around the world.
Quiet morning
The monk is sipping tea
Chrysanthemum flowers.
Quiet morning
looking at chrysanthemums
the hermit drinks tea. Basho
(Translated by Dmitry Smirnov)
The history of this chrysanthemum festival began when kugatsu-sekku, the festival of the ninth moon, was first celebrated at the emperor's court, and it began to be celebrated on the 9th clean of the 9th month of lunar calendar and changed the name to Choyo-sekku - the choice of the date was not accidental: in the Eastern tradition, nine is considered a lucky number, and two nines in a row (hidden in the name of the holiday) mean "longevity". Since the chrysanthemum is a symbol of longevity, the holiday will later receive a second name - the Chrysanthemum Festival. During the Tokugawa era, it became a public holiday for Gosekku.
A popular motif in irezumi is an indicator of courage, fearlessness, greatness and nobility. The chrysanthemum was also a symbol of Japanese suicide pilots (kamikaze) on a mission.
Chrysanthemum has long been used in Japanese cooking - salads, tinctures, wine. Today, the Japanese create amazingly beautiful wagashi sweets. Something very special is being prepared for seasonal holidays: for example, in September you can see wagashi in the form of a kiku flower, chrysanthemum, moon, rabbit, maple leaves.
Chrysanthemum flowers and leaves are wonderful food.
They have been used as food for health promotion for several centuries and not only in Japan. It is known that chrysanthemum nourishes not only the body, but also the soul. These flowers resist the breath of autumn and the gray hairs of winter, they help a person survive the harsh time, stock up and retain vitality.
Young leaves and flowers of the annual vegetable chrysanthemum are used for food, which contain many useful substances. Young leaves are especially useful in early spring or late autumn. They eat flowers and leaves of chrysanthemums little by little: this is quite enough to improve health.
And the moth has arrived!
He also drinks fragrant infusion
From chrysanthemum petals.
Matsuo Basho
The edible leaves of the vegetable chrysanthemum are called shungiku in Japan. They have an interesting pleasant smell and a piquant taste that adorns any dish (they are boiled for several minutes, squeezed, finely chopped and served with seasoning). From fresh leaves of vegetable chrysanthemum pre-boiled in salted water, you can cook a delicious salad, seasoning for meat or fish, mashed potatoes and sandwiches. They add a spicy flavor to scrambled eggs and egg dishes. They can be dried, ground and used in dried form as a healthy and pleasant seasoning for food.
The soul rests and heals, only admiring the flowers. Chrysanthemums are a symbol of joy and laughter. It is believed that chrysanthemums bring happiness, success, good luck, have the ability to ward off illness and misfortune. According to ancient tradition, even today a chrysanthemum petal is placed at the bottom of a bowl of sake in order to live a long and healthy life
The Japanese believe that the dew collected from the chrysanthemum prolongs life. Japanese beauties wiped their faces with a cloth soaked in the dew of chrysanthemums to preserve youth and beauty.
Matsuo Basho
The old woman destroys the rice
And next - The sign of longevity -
Chrysanthemums in bloom.
The name "chrysanthemum" comes from two Greek words: chrysos - "golden" and anthemis - "flower", which is explained by the yellow natural color of chrysanthemum inflorescences, resembling a crown of small jagged petals.
There were special beliefs and rituals associated with chrysanthemums. Wishing someone health and longevity, sake was served with chrysanthemum petals. They also made an infusion of flowers, leaves and stems of chrysanthemums, which they kept for a whole year and drank only on the next holiday. With a cloth soaked in the dew of chrysanthemums, the beauties wiped their faces in order to preserve their youth and beauty. In the Heian era, chrysanthemum flowers were used to "prevent misfortune"- they were wrapped in cotton cloth so that it would be saturated with fragrance and then the body was wiped with this cloth, for the sake of health and longevity. Today, the Japanese call the most beautiful girls O-Kiku-san, comparing them with kiku chrysanthemum and with the sun.
bonsai
Even Japan owes its origin to the chrysanthemum. In ancient times, the legend says, a cruel emperor ruled in China. Once a rumor reached him that beyond the sea, on the island grows magic flower- chrysanthemum. From the juice of this flower, you can prepare an elixir of longevity. But only a person with a pure heart and good intentions can pick a flower. The emperor and his courtiers had black and evil hearts, and instead of himself, the emperor sent three hundred young boys and girls to the island. But none of them returned to the emperor: Fascinated by the beauty of the island, they founded a new state - Japan ...
Coat of arms and flag of Japan
Imperial Seal of Japan(jap. 菊の御紋 kiku no gomon?) - a symbol in the form of a yellow or orange 16-petal chrysanthemum. Since the Kamakura period, it has been considered the emblem of Japanese emperors and members of the Japanese imperial family. The imperial seal is sometimes used as the national emblem, although the country's official emblem does not exist in Japan. The image of the imperial seal consists of a central circle surrounded by sixteen petals, outside they are surrounded by a second row of petals.
As a personal seal, the image of the chrysanthemum was first used by Emperor Go-Toba. The image of the chrysanthemum has been accepted as the mona of the imperial house since 1869. During the Meiji Restoration, by decree of 1871, no one was allowed to use this seal except the Emperor of Japan. After World War II, this ban was lifted. Each member of the imperial family had their own modified version of the imperial seal with 14 petals. Shinto shrines also use the imperial seal or part of it in a modified form. Currently, the symbolic image of the chrysanthemum is used in the premises of the Japanese Parliament and diplomatic institutions, on the attributes of politicians, and is also placed on the covers of Japanese foreign passports.
Japan flag(Jap. 日章旗 Nissho: ki?, solar flag) is a white canvas with a large red circle in the middle, representing the rising sun. According to legend, the tradition of this flag dates back to the 13th century, from the time of the Mongol invasion of Japan. The flag was offered to the Japanese Emperor, considered a descendant of the Sun Goddess, by Buddhist monks. The flag began to be considered as a state flag in the era of the National Restoration after 1868.
The flag has an aspect ratio of 2:3 and is the state and civil flag of Japan, as well as the state and civil pennant (sign). The official name of the flag in Japan is Nisshoki (日章旗), "sun flag", but the more common variant is Hinomaru (日の丸, alternative spelling "Hi-no-maru"), "sun disk". Hinomaru's exact origin is unknown. One of the legends attributes the creation of the flag to the Buddhist monk Nichiren. According to legend, during the Mongol invasion of the Japanese islands, Nichiren presented the flag to the shogun.
Ikebana
About 350 species of wild chrysanthemum grow in Japan.
The most common types:
大菊(一輪菊) Ookiku, Ichirinkiku - a large, curling chrysanthemum:
厚物 Atsushimono, 厚走り Atsushi-hashiri - rounded:
管物 Kanbutsu - needle:
Seen everything in the world
My eyes - and returned
To you, white chrysanthemums. Issho
« Flower lover! You became inconspicuously a Slave of chrysanthemums» - these words Esa Busona reflect the deep attraction that creates in the hearts of true connoisseurs of beauty the calm charm of this flower.
Japan is a distinctive and unique country. For centuries, it developed closed from Western culture.
Of course, Japan has its own the language of flowers based on ancient Japanese traditions. It is called Hanakotoba. Hana in Japanese means flowers, a symbol of life and love.
Hanakotoba used not only in the preparation of bouquets of flowers. This language of flowers is deeply embedded in Japanese culture and traditions. Symbols Hanakotoba can be seen in many Japanese movies, cartoons, anime. For example, in the famous movie Takeshi Kitano "Fireworks"(international film title HANA-BI: HANA- flowers, BI- the fire). Without knowledge Hanakotoba Western viewers find it difficult to understand this film.
And, of course, greeting cards in Japan should be chosen taking into account Hanakotoba.
In this topic, we will try to talk about the symbols of the Japanese language of flowers. Hanakotoba. Some plants and flowers used in Hanakotoba are practically unknown to us. They grow only in Japan and Southeast Asia. Therefore, it is possible "difficulty in translation". As our great poet said: "... Sorry Shishkov, I don't know how to translate."
Sakura- kindness, courtesy, nobility.
Daisies- faith, honesty, promise.
Cactus- craving, lust, sex.
Ipomoea or morning glory, morning glow- false promises.
Dahlia- good taste.
Iris- good news, joyful news.
Lotus- to be away from your love, purity, chastity.
yellow daffodil, or false daffodil- respect.
Narcissus- self-respect.
Hydrangea- pride, self-esteem.
Chrysanthemum yellow- imperial, supreme, majestic, magnificent.
The yellow chrysanthemum is the flower of emperors. The 16-petal yellow chrysanthemum is depicted on the seal of the Emperor of Japan. The Order of the Chrysanthemum is one of the highest awards in Japan. Chrysanthemum is often depicted on Japanese coins and emblems.
The chrysanthemum flower was the symbol of Japanese kamikaze pilots.
Photo: Audrey.
Chrysanthemum white- truth.
The four-leaf clover is a symbol of good luck not only in Japan, but in almost all Western countries.
forget-me-not- true love.
Honeysuckle- generous, generous, noble.
Japanese honeysuckle ( Lonicera japonica Thunb.).
Carnation- disappointment, disappointment.
Gardenia- secret love.
Gardenia jasmine ( Gardenia jasminoides George)
Jasmine- friendly, pleasant, graceful, graceful.
Jasmine white ( Jasminum officinale L.), or medicinal, or real.
Japanese jasmine or yellow jasmine ( Jasminum mesnyi Hance).
Pansies- sensitive, caring, attentive, immersed in reflection, thoughtful.
pansies called violet tricolor ( Viola tricolo r L.) in the photo on the right and Wittrock's violet ( Viola x wittrockiana Gams ex Hegi).
Photo: Cbaile19.
Sweet pea
- goodbye, goodbye!
Sweet pea variety "Painted Lady".
Verbena- cooperation, interaction, cooperation, consistency.
Violet- honesty.
Fragrant violet ( Viola odorata L.)
Anemone or Anemone- sincerity, honesty, directness.
Japanese anemone or Hubei anemone ( Anemone hupehensis var. japonica Thunb.)
Hibiscus- affectionate, gentle.
Chinese hibiscus ( Hibiscus rosa sinensis L.).
Variety "Kyoto Red".
Camellia red- love.
Camellia japonica ( Camellia japonica L.) variety "Somersby".
Camellia yellow- longing, longing.
Camellia Japanese variety Jury's Yellow.
camellia white- expectation.
Camellia japanese variety "Wark"s White Single".
Peony- courage, bravery.
Peony variety "Mons. Jules Elie"
poppy red- cheerful, joker.
poppy white- joy, fun, celebration.
poppy yellow- success.
mistletoe / holly or holly- in search, expectation (meaning the search for one's "half" for a lonely person).
Mistletoe ( Viscum album L.).
Holly Holly ( Ilex aquifolium L.).
Zinnia- loyalty and fidelity.
Lily of the valley- dear, beloved, in love.
Freesia- young, young, childish, childish, frivolous.
Freesia symbolizes childhood and youth.
white lily- purity, chastity.
white lily ( lilium candida L.)
Lily orange- hate, revenge. The one who gives you an orange lily hates you and wants revenge on you.
Lily bulbous ( Lilium bulbiferum L.)
tiger lily- wealth, abundance.
tiger lily ( lilium lancifolium Thunb.)
Tiger lily variety "Flore Pleno" in flower garden Osaka Prefectural Flower Garden, Osaka, Japan.
Licorice, red spider lily, resurrected lily- we will never meet again, forget about me, rejection, resignation, loneliness.
Red spider lily ( Lycoris radiata Herb.).
red spider lily - amazing flower. When the flowers bloom licorice its leaves are falling. Conversely, when the leaves grow, the flowers wither. This property licorice spawned many legends in Japan and China. One of the most famous Chinese legends O licorice tells about two elves Manju (who guarded the flowers) and Saka (who guarded the leaves). Which one was a boy, which one was a girl, I don't know. And I'm not sure that there are elves in China, but they were some kind of fabulous Chinese creatures. And then one day, out of curiosity, they left their posts, left protected plants, met and fell in love at first sight. But God did not like their willful act. He decided to punish them, separated the unfortunate couple of lovers and imposed a terrible curse: Manju flowers should never meet Saka leaves.
Some other ancient Japanese legends tell that if a person breaks up with someone whom he can no longer see again, then flowers will bloom along his further life path. red spider lily. Thanks to these sad legends, licorice in Japan it is often used at funerals, it is planted in cemeteries. Popular Japanese name red spider lily- Higanbana. It is believed that these flowers decorate life and brighten up the existence in the afterlife.
red spider lily- very beautiful flower. In Japan, it is used as an ornamental plant, to decorate parks and gardens. blooms licorice usually around the autumnal equinox.
Tulip red- charity, mercy, trust, faith, hope, glory, fame.
tulip yellow- unrequited love.
Fringed yellow tulip variety "Hamilton".
Magnolia- real, natural, normal, laid-back, the most the right person.
Magnolia obovate or Japanese large-leaved magnolia ( Magnolia obovata Thunb.). The photo was taken in Tokyo (Machida city, Tokyo, Japan).
Lavender- faithful, devoted, truthful, trustworthy.
Lavender fields in Nakahurano, Hokkaido, Japan.
Edelweiss- courage, strength, power.
In the photo on the right: Japanese edelweiss ( Leontopodium japonicum Miq.)
Photo: Σ64.
chrysanthemums smell like autumn. Their cold bitter aroma speaks of the imminent winter. But bright sunny flowers until the first snow make it possible to keep summer in the garden ...
Carl Linnaeus called this plant - "golden" ( chrysos) "flower" ( anthemos). And it wasn't original. Because in Japan, from where these flowers came to Europe, they were called simply " kiku" - "Sun". From the sun, as the story goes ancient legend, there was also a Japanese people, yamato, "people of the sun" ...
The ninth month of the lunar year and the ninth day of that month is called "chrysanthemum". It is believed that flowers plucked on this day have magical powers: they restore youth and health. A mysterious remedy is prepared from autumn flowers and pine resin, the use of which protects against old age. Infused with chrysanthemum petals, it extends life up to 8000 years (???): hassennen- "many years", "eternity" ...
Kikkamonsho - a stylized golden chrysanthemum flower with 16 double petals - the emblem of the Imperial House of Japan. The Japanese name for this character is ???? ( kikukamonsho / kikkamonsho) - "the emblem in the form of a chrysanthemum flower" or ????? ( yae-juroku-kiku) - "eight-layer" or "terry" chrysanthemum with 16 petals.
Figure of the Japanese emperor ( tenno??) was sacred: shrouded in a mystical halo, it never became the subject of a pictorial or verbal depiction. From time immemorial, the emperor did not leave the capital, did not travel, did not act as the supreme commander during military operations. The main function of tenno is to stay in the palace - in the sacred center of Shintoism. He is the high priest, he was worshiped as a living deity, but he was obliged to maintain ritual purity and therefore did not touch worldly affairs. The very fact of his being on the throne was the most reliable guarantee that things in the country were going as they should ...
Tenno heika banzai
At the heart of Japanese patriotism was devotion to the Emperor - not to the homeland, but to the individual:
I will die too
And all my relatives, enemies, friends -
Everything is mortal on earth.
But the earth itself will not die, and the sky,
And Heaven's son is a divine tenno...
The title "Mikado", under which the emperor was better known in Europe, meant "High Gate" and was the name of the Japanese government, never applied by the Japanese themselves to the person of the Sovereign (an indicative coincidence: the official title of the government of the Ottoman Empire is "High Port", from the French "La Sublime Porte", which, in turn, was a literal translation of the Arabic "Bab-i-ali" - "High Gates" (this was the name, again, not of the sultan himself, but of the grand vizier's office).
The emperor of Japan did not have a surname, since the position ruling house in the country it was so original and strong that he simply did not need any surname. The dynasty was not interrupted for one and a half thousand years - it is no wonder that one of the symbols of longevity became the emblem of the monarch. Chrysanthemum is a flower with which hopes for a long life were associated ...
The officially stylized image of a chrysanthemum flower with 16 petals was recognized as the coat of arms of the ruling imperial house in 1869 by order of the Meiji government. And in 1871, a decree was issued that secured the privilege of the imperial house to use the symbol: the image of a chrysanthemum was considered sacred, the right to it, in particular, to wear clothes with a pattern of a 16-petal flower, belonged exclusively to members of the imperial family.
Of course, European coats of arms look more spectacular than laconic Japanese ones. However, neither in design nor in historical significance, “monas” (as family coats of arms are called in Japan), are not inferior to the symbols of Europe. They are simpler, but aesthetically more elegant and refined. The Japanese measure of beauty are concepts that are rooted in the ancient religion of Shinto and Buddhist philosophy. Anything that is unnatural cannot be beautiful. In addition, this is the absence of anything pretentious, catchy, deliberate, that is, in the view of the Japanese, vulgar. This is the charm of the ordinary, wise restraint, the beauty of simplicity ...
It is believed that the Japanese emperor Suiko (554-628) was the first to acquire his own symbols, who ordered to decorate his military flags with a certain pattern. This was told by one of the first annalistic monuments of the country "Nihon shoki". According to experts in Japanese heraldry, there were only six main thematic varieties of mon: plants, animals, natural phenomena, objects made by people, abstract drawings and hieroglyphs. The most common were images of flowers, trees, leaves… It was enough to slightly modify the pattern, for example, add a couple of veins in the picture of a leaf of a plant, a petal into an inflorescence, make this or that feature of the picture wider, and a new mon…
In Japan, there was not and does not exist to this day the state emblem: the symbol of the Motherland was associated with the personal mono of the Emperor ...
You can often find a simpler image: an 11-petal chrysanthemum flower ( juichiku), and shown on the reverse side ( rimen juichiku), or as a much more significant heraldic image of a flower with fourteen petals - a similar coat of arms, in the form of a stylized 14-petal chrysanthemum ( jushikiku), had the right to use members of the imperial family. Since the XIV century for special military merits. Honored to use this coat of arms and particularly distinguished generals.
An American admiral who served in Naval Intelligence wrote in his memoirs: In a lively pre-dinner mood, we gathered in the living room. I noticed that Captain 3rd Rank Jo, one of Yamaguchi's assistants, was sitting at a table on which lay a silver cigarette case with the coat of arms of the imperial family engraved on it: fourteen petals of a chrysanthemum around a circle symbolizing the rising sun. (The emperor himself had a coat of arms with sixteen petals, while other members of the imperial family were limited to fourteen). I saw his eyes flicker over the beautiful silver cigarette case and rest on the petals. A sudden tension seized him, he straightened up in his chair; not a trace of good-natured indulgence remained on his face, now it expressed solemn attention, almost devotion. He seemed not to believe his eyes. Then, lifting forefinger, he began to count the petals: one, two, three ... twelve, thirteen, fourteen. Coat of arms of the imperial family!
When he reached the fourteenth petal, an expression of special solemnity appeared on his face, his hands fell to his knees and, sitting in an armchair, he bowed deeply to the cigarette case» …
