Hydrangeas, or Ajisai

In Japan, hydrangeas, known as ajisai (紫陽花), are not only beautiful flowers but also symbols of deep emotions and the variability of human feelings. During the rainy season, known as tsuyu, which lasts from early June to mid-July, these extraordinary flowers transform the Japanese landscape into a magical, colorful spectacle. From white and pink to intensely blue and purple, hydrangeas can be found in gardens, parks, and temples throughout the archipelago.

The deep blue of hydrangeas has become a symbol of sincere feelings—mainly regret and apology or gratitude, as can already be seen in the legend of the Heian period emperor. In today's lighter article, we will explore the history and symbolism of hydrangeas in Japanese culture, the place these flowers have found in Japanese art and pop culture, and finally—how they are celebrated in Japan.

What is Ajisai?

Hydrangeas are shrubs with large, showy flower heads that can vary in color depending on the chemical composition of the soil they grow in. In Japan, more than 100 different varieties of hydrangeas can be found, including those that form tight balls of flowers and those whose flowers surround a central, empty space. They are relatively easy to grow and are commonly seen in both parks and private gardens. Some temples are known for their beautiful hydrangea gardens, attracting numerous tourists and nature enthusiasts.

In Japanese, hydrangea is called Ajisai, written in kanji as 紫陽花, with the following meanings:

• 紫 (shi) - meaning "purple" or "violet."

• 陽 (you) - meaning "sun," "sunlight," or "south."

• 花 (ka) - meaning "flower" or "flowers." Thus, Ajisai can be translated as "sunny flower of violet."

History

Hydrangeas, known in Japan as ajisai, have appeared as a cultural motif in Japanese records since the 8th century. References to these flowers can be found in the oldest Japanese chronicles, such as "Manyoshu" (万葉集), or "Collection of Ten Thousand Leaves," which is the oldest anthology of Japanese poetry compiled in the latter half of the 8th century. In "Manyoshu," hydrangeas are described in the context of the beauty of nature and the changing seasons.

Hydrangeas are one of the native plant species that have adorned the Japanese landscape for centuries. Naturally occurring in Japan, hydrangeas have become an integral part of the local flora, often found in wild forests and mountainous areas. These flowers were not only admired for their beauty but also valued for their medicinal properties and symbolic significance.

The Legend of the Emperor and Hydrangeas

The hydrangea is a symbol of sincere feelings, both regret and gratitude. This is evident in an old Japanese legend about the emperor and hydrangeas.

In ancient Japan during the Heian period, there lived an emperor known not only for his wisdom and justice but also for his deep love for his beloved. The emperor was extremely busy with the duties of governing the country. His days were filled with meetings, ceremonies, and decisions he had to make on behalf of his people. In this whirlwind of responsibilities, he often neglected his beloved, who suffered from a lack of his attention and affection. She was a beautiful court lady known for her extraordinary beauty and sensitivity, whom the emperor held in deep affection.

One day, when the emperor realized how much he had neglected his beloved, he decided to apologize to her in a way that would express his sincere feelings and deep regret. He knew that words might not suffice, so he decided to find something that would symbolize his love and remorse.

The emperor remembered the beautiful blue hydrangeas that grew in the royal gardens. Hydrangeas, known in Japan as ajisai, were rare at the time and highly valued for their beauty and changing colors. The blue color of hydrangeas symbolized fidelity, deep feelings, and sincerity. The emperor decided that these flowers would be the best expression of his apology.

With the help of gardeners, the emperor chose the most beautiful blue hydrangeas and personally went to his beloved's chambers. When he entered her room, he saw her sad face, which immediately broke his heart. Without a word, he handed her a bouquet of blue hydrangeas, and his eyes spoke more than a thousand words.

The beloved, seeing this gesture, understood how much the emperor loved her and how deeply he regretted his neglect. The blue hydrangeas became a symbol of their renewed love and mutual understanding. Since then, hydrangeas have held a special place in Japanese culture as flowers symbolizing deep feelings, apologies, and gratitude.

Symbolism of Hydrangeas

Hydrangeas, known in Japan as ajisai, are valued not only for their beauty but also for the rich symbolism they carry. In Japanese culture, hydrangeas symbolize the variability of emotions, deep feelings, gratitude, and apologies.

Hydrangeas are often associated with the variability of emotions due to their ability to change color depending on the soil's pH. In Japan, this variability is interpreted as a symbol of changing human emotions. The colors of hydrangeas can range from pink to blue to purple, reflecting the complexity and depth of human feelings. In Japanese literature and art, hydrangeas often appear as a motif illustrating this variability, making them an excellent symbol for expressing complex emotions.

Hydrangeas also have deep significance as a symbol of gratitude and apologies. The story of the emperor who gave blue hydrangeas to his beloved as an apology emphasizes their importance as flowers expressing sincere emotions and remorse. Blue hydrangeas are primarily used in Japan to express apologies and gratitude. This gesture has become so common that hydrangeas have become synonymous with sincere apologies.

When are Ajisai given in Japan?

Apologies and Gratitude Today, hydrangeas are often given as a symbol of sincere apologies and gratitude. Due to their strong connotations with emotional sincerity, blue hydrangeas are the perfect choice when someone wants to express their apologies for a mistake. Such gestures are often seen in personal relationships, where giving hydrangeas can help heal hurt feelings and rebuild trust. Similarly, hydrangeas are also given as a token of gratitude for support and help, making them a popular gift in both professional and personal settings.

Weddings and Anniversaries Hydrangeas, especially in shades of pink and white, are often chosen for wedding bouquets and decorations. Additionally, hydrangeas are often given as a gift for wedding anniversaries, particularly the fourth anniversary, which is traditionally associated with flowers (though this custom came to Japan from Europe during the Meiji period).

Support and Condolences Hydrangeas are also a popular choice for expressing support and condolences. Due to their soothing colors and delicate beauty, hydrangeas are often given during difficult times to bring comfort and express sympathy. White hydrangeas, symbolizing purity and peace, are frequently used in funeral arrangements (white is traditionally the color of death in Asia).

Hydrangeas in Japanese Literature and Art

Hydrangeas appear in many literary works in Japan, especially in poetry from the Heian period. In "Man'yōshū," the oldest anthology of Japanese poetry, hydrangeas are mentioned as symbols of emotional variability and transience. Additionally, hydrangeas are often used in haiku, which emphasize the beauty and ephemerality of nature, as seen in the works of poets like Basho and Issa.

Hydrangeas were an inspiration for many Japanese artists, especially during the Edo period. Katsushika Hokusai, one of the most famous ukiyo-e artists, created the work "Hydrangeas and Swallow" in 1833, which exemplifies the use of hydrangeas in traditional Japanese woodblock printing. The painting symbolically represents the end of winter and the arrival of spring, with hydrangeas symbolizing deep feelings and gratitude towards nature, while the swallow evokes the fertility and lightness of spring.

Another famous artist, Ogata Kōrin, a Japanese painter from the Edo period known for his unique Rinpa style characterized by rich colors and elegant compositions. His silk paintings, such as "Hydrangeas" (紫陽花), which can be admired at The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, emphasize the delicacy and subtle beauty of these flowers, creating harmonious and sophisticated works of art that capture the essence of Japanese aesthetics.

Hydrangeas have been an inspiration for many Japanese artists, especially during the Edo period. Katsushika Hokusai, one of the most famous ukiyo-e artists, created the work "Hydrangeas and Swallow" in 1833, which is an example of the use of hydrangeas in traditional Japanese woodblock printing. This painting symbolically represents the passage of time, specifically the end of winter and the arrival of spring, where hydrangeas symbolize deep feelings and gratitude towards nature, while the swallow evokes fertility and the lightness of spring.

Another well-known artist, Ogata Kōrin, a Japanese painter from the Edo period, stood out with his unique Rinpa style characterized by rich colors and elegant compositions. His silk paintings, such as "Hydrangeas," which can be admired at The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, emphasize the delicacy and subtle beauty of these flowers, creating harmonious and sophisticated works of art that capture the essence of Japanese aesthetics.

Hydrangeas in Ikebana

Ikebana (生け花 – literally "living flowers") is the traditional Japanese art of flower arranging, which has its roots in the Heian period (794-1185). This art, also known as "kado" (華道 - the way of flowers), has been practiced in Japan for centuries. It differs from Western forms of floristry with its philosophy and approach to composition. A key element of ikebana is the harmony between flowers, the container, and the space, as well as an understanding of seasonality and natural cycles. The practice of ikebana also has a meditative and spiritual nature (it was even a mandatory part of samurai education at one time), focusing on creating beauty and expressing deep emotions through floral compositions.

Hydrangeas play an important role in ikebana, especially due to their color variability and unique flower shapes. These characteristics and their emotional symbolism make hydrangeas ideal for creating compositions that reflect seasonal changes and deep emotions. They are often used in seasonal arrangements, particularly during the rainy season (tsuyu), when their colors are most vibrant. In ikebana, hydrangeas can symbolize transience, emotional variability, and the beauty of nature, which aligns with the philosophy of this art that values the ephemerality of life.

In ikebana compositions, hydrangeas are often used as a focal point that draws attention. Their large, showy flower heads can be used to add drama and elegance to arrangements, and their color variability allows for creative experiments with harmony and contrast. Hydrangeas are also valued for their durability, making compositions with them pleasing to the eye for a longer time. In ikebana, they are often combined with branches and leaves to create compositions that reflect the natural beauty and harmony of the Japanese landscape while not clashing with other dominant flowers.

Ajisai Matsuri – Celebrating Hydrangeas

In Japan, hydrangeas are celebrated during various festivals held mainly in June and July, during the rainy season, as this is when hydrangeas bloom most profusely. These festivals attract both locals and tourists, offering the opportunity to admire the beautiful flowers in full bloom and participate in various cultural events.

Bunkyo Ajisai Matsuri in Tokyo

Bunkyo Ajisai Matsuri is one of the most famous hydrangea festivals in Tokyo, held at Hakusan Shrine and the adjacent Hakusan Park. The shrine and park are home to about 3000 hydrangea bushes, which reach their peak beauty in mid-June. The festival usually lasts a week and includes a variety of attractions, such as traditional tea ceremonies, musical performances, local product fairs, and photography contests. This festival is an important event that attracts both Tokyo residents and tourists from all over the country.

Festivals in Kamakura: Meigetsu-in and Hasedera

Kamakura, a historic city in Kanagawa Prefecture, is known for two major hydrangea festivals held at Meigetsu-in and Hasedera temples.

• Meigetsu-in: Known as the "Hydrangea Temple," Meigetsu-in is visited by thousands of people who come to admire its blue hydrangeas. This temple has a long history dating back to the 13th century and is particularly beautiful during the rainy season when the hydrangeas are in full bloom. The festival is held in June and includes various attractions such as Zen meditation, ikebana workshops, and art exhibitions.

• Hasedera: This temple is known not only for hydrangeas but also for housing one of the largest wooden statues of Kannon (the bodhisattva of compassion) in Japan. Hasedera has a garden with over 2500 hydrangea bushes that bloom in various colors, from blue to pink and white. The hydrangea festival at Hasedera is celebrated throughout June and includes events such as concerts, art workshops, and special Buddhist ceremonies.

Hydrangeas in Contemporary Japanese Culture

Manga and Anime

• "Bleach": In the popular manga and anime "Bleach" by Tite Kubo, hydrangeas appear in several scenes, especially in the context of melancholy and reflection. These flowers are introduced into the decor to highlight the fleeting nature of the moment and the changing emotions of the characters.

• "Naruto": In "Naruto" by Masashi Kishimoto, hydrangeas appear in several episodes, particularly in the context of memories and retrospection. These flowers symbolize transience and the beauty of fleeting moments and are a common background element for the characters' memories.

• "Garden of Words": In the anime film "Garden of Words" (言の葉の庭, Kotonoha no Niwa) directed by Makoto Shinkai, hydrangeas are visible in key scenes, emphasizing the rainy Tokyo atmosphere and the emotional tension between the main characters.

Hydrangeas in Video Games

• "Animal Crossing: New Horizons": In the popular game "Animal Crossing: New Horizons," hydrangeas are one of the many types of flowers that players can cultivate on their islands. They are especially popular during the rainy months in the game, adding beauty and color to the landscape.

• "Okami": In the game "Okami," which draws heavily from Japanese mythology and folklore, hydrangeas appear as landscape elements that players can encounter while exploring the world. These flowers add a nostalgic and magical glow to the locations where they appear.

Hydrangeas in Japanese Films

• "Still Walking" (歩いても 歩いても, Aruitemo Aruitemo): In Hirokazu Koreeda's film, hydrangeas appear in several scenes, symbolizing the passage of time and reflection on life. These flowers are used to highlight emotional moments between characters.

• "After the Rain" (恋は雨上がりのように, Koi wa Ameagari no You ni): Hydrangeas play a significant role in the film's aesthetics, emphasizing the rainy atmosphere and the romantic tension between the main characters.

• "The Taste of Tea" (茶の味, Cha no Aji): In Katsuhito Ishii's film, hydrangeas are used as a visual motif that appears in various scenes, highlighting the beauty and complexity of everyday life in the Japanese countryside.

Conclusion

Hydrangeas, symbolizing deep and sincere feelings in Japan, also hold significance in Japanese magical and meditative practices. In ancient times, a tea made from hydrangeas, known as amacha, was used in Japanese Buddhist traditions, particularly in the Tendai and Shingon sects. Amacha was used during a ceremony called Hōyōe, which aimed to pacify hungry spirits by offering them sweet tea. This practice was part of the Buddha's birthday celebrations on April 8. Amacha was poured over small Buddha statues as a symbolic bath for the newborn child, bringing peace and blessings.

Hydrangeas have become symbols of emotion, gratitude, and apology. Their presence in Japanese culture, literature, art, and everyday life is undeniable. Hydrangea festivals, such as Bunkyo Ajisai Matsuri in Tokyo or temple festivals in Kamakura, not only attract thousands of tourists but also strengthen social bonds, promoting local traditions and customs. Hydrangeas in manga, anime, and video games add depth to storylines, symbolizing various aspects of human nature and emotions. It is a beautiful flower that has found its unique place in Japanese symbolism.

 A connoisseur of Asian culture with a deep-seated appreciation for various philosophies of the world. By education, psychologist and Korean philologist. By heart, an Android developer and an ardent tech aficionado. In tranquil moments, he champions a disciplined way of life, firmly believing that steadfastness, perpetual self-enhancement, and a dedication to one's passions is a sensible path for life.

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  Mike Soray

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