Japan - Importance of Flowers and Trees

Japanese Culture The Japanese people have a deep respect for nature and flowers are important part of their art. Certain flowers have special meanings. Drawings or paintings of flowers are used to decorate clothing, furniture, and even family crests [family symbols]. Inside their homes many Japanese have an alcove or special place that is decorated with flowers and plants to show the changing of the seasons. Japanese people often make field trips (like "pilgrimages" ) to see the flowers and trees in different seasons. Here are some of the meanings of certain flowers and trees to the Japanese: 

Plum blossoms: "Almost before the winter snows have melted, the barren landscape welcomes the blooming of the plum tree, whose fragrant and delicate blossoms of the snowy white or light pink share, with the angular tree itself, older people's special admiration. The Japanese see the contrast between the knotted trunks and young green shoots as symbolic of age and youth - one bent and crabbed, the other fresh and vigorous, suggesting that in spite of age, the charm and joy of youth can always rise anew." 

The lotus The lotus flower of midsummer is a symbol of truth, perfection, and immortality [never dying]. Roots come from muddy pools, and the flower emerges always fresh and clean. Buddhism uses this symbol for the Buddha's life - born in the problems and darkness of society, he grew to become pure and truthful, suggesting that a pure and lovely spirit can lift itself above worldliness to live in peaceful serenity [peace, calm]. 

The peony  The peony is called the "flower of twenty days" because of its short blooming season. It is especially favored by the upper classes and is considered a symbol of prosperity [wealth, becoming rich].

The morning glory  The morning glory is associated with mortality because its life is so short, but its beauty of its brief blooming is a joy to be remembered. 

The chrysanthemum The flower of Autumn - It is the symbol of longevity [long life] because it blooms longer than most flowers. It is used at gatherings celebrating a man's retirement from public office since it suggests a life of well-deserved ease. 

The pine  The pine is the hardiest [strong, tough, can live through disasters] and noblest of all evergreens. Artists see rhythm of line in its wind-twisted branches and ruggedness of character in its defiance of storms. In Japanese art this tree is associated with the crane and the tortoise, and in flower decoration thick gnarled branches of pine are used to convey the idea of a strong and happy old age. No happy occasion is complete without its honored presence.