Real Japan smells of chrysanthemum and incense
菊の節句 (Kiku no Sekku) Chrysanthemum Day
Every year on September 9.
Symbol: longevity, purity, nobility, health.
Chrysanthemum is the imperial flower in Japan:
The Emperor's coat of arms is a golden chrysanthemum with 16 petals.
Considered a flower of longevity and spiritual strength.
Blooms in September - symbol of autumn.
How it is celebrated?
The holiday is not celebrated as widely as, for example, Tanabata or New Year, but it has many traditional elements:
Chrysanthemum exhibitions.
They are held in gardens, temples, botanical parks.
Whole figures and scenes are formed from blooming chrysanthemums.
Chrysanthemum sake (菊酒 kikusake)
Chrysanthemum petals are added to sake - it is believed that this purifies and prolongs life.
Traditions and amulets
In the old days, chrysanthemums were rubbed on the body or petals were put in the bath.
Girls wore jewelry with chrysanthemums as a symbol of purity
Japanese beauties used dew from chrysanthemums to preserve the youth and beauty of the face.
In the city of Nara,
where chrysanthemums bloom and smell,
Buddhas have been living since ancient times
Matsuo Basho