Skip to main content

Kodomo no Hi / Childrens day

The day was originally called Tango no Sekku 端午の節句. It marks the beginning of summer (the rainy season) and is one of the five seasonal festivals (Sekku). Tango (Ta = edge / beginning) and go (noon) or five (五). Since ancient times, the fifth month of the Chinese calendar has been the month of purification, and many rites to ward off evil spirits.

Mono no aware oder ‚The fleetingness of life‘

The Japanese cherry / Prunus 染井吉野, also known as Sakura 桜, is one of the most well-known and revered flowers in Japan and has a deep cultural and symbolic meaning.

The cherry blossom heralds the warm part of the year and is not only a sign of spring, but also a symbol of new beginnings, beauty and transience. A symbol of feminine beauty in Japan, its short flowering period of just one to two weeks reminds people to appreciate the beauty of the moment and enjoy life.

Flowering quince branches

The ornamental quince (bot. Chaenomeles) belongs to the rose family (Rosaceae). This plant genus is native to East Asia (Japan, China, Myanmar) and comprises five species. Their flowers are white, salmon-coloured or even red and have a wonderful fragrance. They enrich any garden or park, especially in spring, giving it an Asian ambience. The striking flowers attract bees in particular, but the fruits that appear later are also edible. Quince is one of the most popular ornamental shrubs in gardens and parks.

Hina matsuri

hina-matsuri, also known as the Japanese Girls' Festival or Doll Festival, is a traditional holiday in Japan that is celebrated every year on 3 March. The festival has a long history dating back to the Edo period and has deep cultural significance for the Japanese. The festival is an opportunity to celebrate and wish for the health and happiness of girls.

Strelitzia

The bird of paradise flower is a fascinating plant that makes a real statement with its vibrant flowers and exotic shapes, and not just in the Rikka Shōfūtai. It belongs to the Strelitziaceae family and originally comes from the humid tropical regions of Africa.

Blue sea and yellow sea of flowers

If you are longing for warmth, the sea and a spring awakening after the dark and cold winter months here, then the time is ripe for the Côte d'Azur. After the mild winters, in spring on the Côte d'Azur nature comes to life along the coast and a variety of flowers begin to bloom to fill the landscape with color and fragrance.

One of the most notable blooms is the mimosa, which adorns the hills and valleys of the region with bright yellow flowers in February and March. Their sweet fragrance and radiant color transform the landscape into a true paradise.

First arrangement of the year

The hatsu-ike 初生け, the first arrangement of the year, which is made up of the characters hatsu 初 (the first) and 生け (Ike) from the term ikebana, stands for the first ikebana of the year. It is not just a ritual, but also celebrates new beginnings and the art of living in harmony with nature. In the spirit of hatsu-ike, kadokas create special arrangements to mark the transition into the new year. This practice is a symbolic gesture for renewal and reflects the hopes and aspirations for the coming year.

Subscribe to Materials