JET Programme Series: Hydrangeas and the Season of Rain - Sharon Dolabaille
2020/10/9
JET Programme Series: Hydrangeas and the Season of Rain - Sharon Dolabaille
Hydrangeas and the Season of Rain
Japan is known for its beautiful scenery and respect for nature. Throughout the metropolitan landscape, plants thrive through many a garden, alleyway or neighbourhood street. In addition to the four seasons, Japan technically has a fifth in the month of June called Tsuyu (梅雨) and it’s the official rainy season. The symbol of this season is the hydrangea, or Ajisai (紫陽花). They are a cluster of flowers that bloom in various hues of blues, pinks and purples. What is really fascinating about these flowers is that their colour actually depends on the pH (acid or alkaline) of the soil.
Personally, I’m not fond of the rainy season because it’s so humid and damp but hydrangeas brighten the dull grey landscape and can make a walk home in the pouring rain a delight.
As the years go by, I have found myself looking forward to seeing these flowers at this time of year and this year I made it to the Ajisai Temple near my area in Hiroshima. There were so many different types of hydrangeas with differently shaped petals and clusters and so many variations of colour that even a camera cannot capture the true vibrance of its purple hues. It was quite relaxing to stroll through the temple garden under a light drizzle of rain, umbrella in hand and admiring the beauty of these flowers kissed by the rain.
As with any flower, the hydrangea also has its own symbolism. In Japanese, this is known as hanakotoba (花言葉) or simply the language of flowers. As there are so many varieties and colours of the plant, they have various meanings such as white typically represents “tolerance” and are used in weddings to show acceptance of the other person; blue can be “cold”, “ruthless”, “patient affection” or “you are beautiful but cold” and offers the imagery of a beautiful figure enduring the long season of rain; and represents “women who are energetic” or a “strong love”.
Sharon Dolabaille
JET (Japanese Exchange & Teaching) Program Assistant Langauge Teacher
Hiroshima
JET Series: Hydrangeas and the Season of Rain (Japanese Embassy's Facebook)
JET Programme Series Archives
Japan is known for its beautiful scenery and respect for nature. Throughout the metropolitan landscape, plants thrive through many a garden, alleyway or neighbourhood street. In addition to the four seasons, Japan technically has a fifth in the month of June called Tsuyu (梅雨) and it’s the official rainy season. The symbol of this season is the hydrangea, or Ajisai (紫陽花). They are a cluster of flowers that bloom in various hues of blues, pinks and purples. What is really fascinating about these flowers is that their colour actually depends on the pH (acid or alkaline) of the soil.
Personally, I’m not fond of the rainy season because it’s so humid and damp but hydrangeas brighten the dull grey landscape and can make a walk home in the pouring rain a delight.
As the years go by, I have found myself looking forward to seeing these flowers at this time of year and this year I made it to the Ajisai Temple near my area in Hiroshima. There were so many different types of hydrangeas with differently shaped petals and clusters and so many variations of colour that even a camera cannot capture the true vibrance of its purple hues. It was quite relaxing to stroll through the temple garden under a light drizzle of rain, umbrella in hand and admiring the beauty of these flowers kissed by the rain.
As with any flower, the hydrangea also has its own symbolism. In Japanese, this is known as hanakotoba (花言葉) or simply the language of flowers. As there are so many varieties and colours of the plant, they have various meanings such as white typically represents “tolerance” and are used in weddings to show acceptance of the other person; blue can be “cold”, “ruthless”, “patient affection” or “you are beautiful but cold” and offers the imagery of a beautiful figure enduring the long season of rain; and represents “women who are energetic” or a “strong love”.
Sharon Dolabaille
JET (Japanese Exchange & Teaching) Program Assistant Langauge Teacher
Hiroshima
JET Series: Hydrangeas and the Season of Rain (Japanese Embassy's Facebook)
JET Programme Series Archives