japan67 kyoto9 nishi honganji temple chrysanthemums
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Nishi Honganji (the western temple) is a large temple compound located north west of Kyoto Station. It is one of two head temples of the Jodo Shinshu sect of Buddhism in Kyoto.Japan’s most famous fall flower surly is kiku, known in the west as the “common garden chrysanthemum” or more simply mum. It is said that they were first brought to Japan from China as a medicine, coupled with a tale about them bringing long life (we’re talking 100s of years).
Aside from the cherry blossom, the
chrysanthemum (kiku) is considered
to be Japan’s national flower,
since it is associated with the Imperial Family. Not only does it appear
on the imperial crest, but the
monarchy is also referred to as the Chrysanthemum
Throne. Kiku exhibition at Nishi Honganji Temple
Chrysanthemums trained in bonsai forms
Fukusukezukuri style - one flower on a tiny plant
The large flowered kiku type called atsumono are typically grown in groups of three. This training style is known as sanbonjitate with each flower representing balancing elements: heaven, earth, and human
Atsumono Kiku is produced by removing all other buds as it grows so that one stem may produce just one flower. For the competition, the atsumono type is displayed as a trio, with each flower at exactly the same height as the others
At the base, it sometimes looks
like the three stems have come from one origin, but
actually the three stems have grown
separately and then later been tied
together for a more appealing base
The head of the flower is fairly large, spanning up to 20cm across. The three flowers act as a balance to each other, and each flower has a different meaning – earth, heaven and human. All the elements are considered to be important and must be equal in height
“Raising a kiku from seed is more difficult than raising
children”
Kudamono kiku (spider mum)
Sagagiku are known as brush or thistle chrysanthemums in the west
Many family crests have featured this flower, which is a symbol of longevity; you can see it on the 50-yen coin, too. Because of the chrysanthemum’s significance, there are several flower festivals dedicated to it
Kudamono kiku (spider mum)
To drink the dew off chrysanthemums is considered an elixir for long life
To prepare Chrysanthemum
Wine, you have to float some
Chrysanthemum petals in rice
wine, appreciate their beauty first and then drink
Kudamono kiku, known as the spider chrysanthemum
Kiku variety called 'Dance‘ classified as a spoon flower type in the west
The seal of the Japanese imperial family is the kiku
flower, based on the flat, ichimonji type
Perhaps the most visually stunning flower
type is the huge ichimonji kiku
which can be up to 20 cm across. This type
has large, wide florets that are supported below by a disc of white paper. The
Japanese royal family crest is patterned after
this type
Text: InternetPictures: Internet Nicoleta LeuCopyright: All the images belong to their authors
Presentation: Sanda Foişoreanuwww.slideshare.net/michaelasanda
Sound: Teresa Teng 2016