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Flowers and Wakas of Japan's Four Seasons | |
Flowers and Wakas of Japan's Four Seasons
Japan is a country with the four seasons.
The four seasons which are full of various expressions, haveinfluenced the color of nature and people's feelings from ancient times.
Here, because of the subtle expressions which the four seasons make, we would like to add two other seasons, and introduce wakas which expressed the flowery plants and views of each season.
Spring
Spring in Japan is often represented by the flower, cherry blossoms. Japanese people are so fond of cherry blossoms that they even made them into a song called "Sakura Sakura". Cherry blossoms are always beautiful with an elegant and graceful appearance. Spring is a beautiful season, filled with the breath of life.
cherry blossom of Ninna-ji temple
Early Summer
When the season of fresh green brightening up the world comes, light purple colored flowers draw our attention. These are Azaleas, which are the representative flowers of early summer. Because of the hanging flowers, people used to call them "Fujinami". They are impressive for their bright colors showing in the fresh verdure. Red and white colored flowers of Azaleas are most popular. Its refined appearance moves many people.
Also, hydrangea is a famous flower which blooms in the rainy season. Hydrangeas, which bloom proudly even in the rain, allow people to feel kind and to enjoy the rain. Hydrangeas used to be called "Shichihenge" from the subtle colors of the flower.
lotus of Ryouan-ji temple wisterias of Byodo-in
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| a hydrangea |
Summer
In the summer, flowers blooming beside the cool waterside and brilliant colored blossoms shining in the summer sunlight begin to standout. Some flowers fall quickly like an empty dream, but the way they scatter is elegant and is worth watching. Summer is a lively and energetic season.
the green leaves of the maple trees
in Ryoan-ji temple
Autumn
Autumn, the season before the world becomes all silver, is filled with dainty, but bold colors. Upon the Autumn mountains are leaves of many colors. Each leaf proudly shows a brilliant expression on their leaf. On the contrary, there are flowers which bloom very modestly and quietly. Autumn is a beautiful season with many faces.
red leaves of Tenryu-ji temple
Winter
There are no beautiful flowers blooming in winter, but instead, we can enjoy a beautiful snowscape. The beautiful and dreamy view of winter lets out our true feelings and thoughts, which we had almost forgotten in our busy everyday life. The silence turns into music in our hearts and moves us greatly.
Kiyomizu-dera temple in winter
Early spring
When the season of nature and buildings, clothed in their garbs of snow pass, once again, spring arrives. With the murmur of the little brooks gliding, life comes back to the silent world. Gradually, the joy of resurrection fill people's hearts. In this season, still strictly cold, ume blossoms are the first to bloom in the hills and fields. In ancient times, ume blossoms which give out an elegant and refined mood, were used in many poems and wakas. Ume blossoms are flowers which we can enjoy both, their appearance and scent.
a plum blossom
