#junedecorations

Essential Japanese Seasonal Decorations - Summer

Seasonality: Mid Summer/ June

Japanese Name: Ame no Hi/ Tsuyu/ Baiyu/ Teru Teru Bozu/ Ajisai/ Kasa/ Wagasa/ Kaeru/ Niji

English Name: Rainy Day/ Rainy Season/ Plum Rain/ Shine Shine Monk. Hydrangea/ Umbrella/ Japanese Umbrella/ Frog/ Rainbow

       In early summer, most parts of Japan get visited by a rainy season, the so called tsuyu (梅雨, or baiyu), literally meaning "plum rain", because it coincides with the season of plums ripening. In most of Japan, the rainy season lasts from the beginning of June to mid July, while it affects the islands of Okinawa about one month earlier. Only Japan's northernmost main island of Hokkaido gets barely affected by the rainy season. During the rainy season it does not rain every day. In fact, Tokyo registers only an average of 12 rainy days in June, while 120 hours of sunshine are recorded. As for the amount of rainfall, it varies from days with intensive downpours to other days with occasional sprinkles. 

    A teru teru bōzu (てるてる坊主, lit. "shine shine monk") is a small traditional handmade doll made of white paper or cloth that Japanese farmers began hanging outside of their window by a string. Today, children make teru teru bōzu out of tissue paper or cotton and string and hang them from a window when they wish for sunny weather, often before a school picnic day. This talisman is supposed to have magical powers to bring good weather and to stop or prevent a rainy day. Teru teru bōzu became popular during the Edo period among urban dwellers, whose children would make them the day before the good weather was desired and chant, "Fine-weather priest, please let the weather be good tomorrow." Traditionally, if the weather does turn out well, a libation of holy sake is poured over them, and they are washed away in the river. Hanging it upside-down, meanwhile, acts as a prayer for rain. 

     Ajisai, 紫陽花 a.k.a. Hydrangea, is the sign of the rainy season in Japan. Another nickname for hydrangea, called nanahenge, which means seven transformations. The flower is adored and honored by most of the Japanese like they do for ume, sakura and irises. In fact, the flower was first discovered in Japan. In general, they start blooming from early June to mid July. History says hydrangeas have appeared in poems of the Nara period (710-794). During the Edo period (1618-1868), seeing the changeability of the flower, this flower was ignored by the samurai as they used to believe that it is immortal. Hydrangeas change their color with environment in the rain and this fact makes us to think of this as inconsistent, immortal, sadness of impermanence, change of mind, hopeless love and so on. Though, cluster of hydrangea blossoms symbolize enduring love, everlasting friendships, and family bonds. 

     Kasa, 傘かさ, is the Japanese general word for umbrella, while the word for the traditional paper umbrellas is wagasa 和傘わがさ. Oil-paper umbrellas were a variety invented in China which spread to many neighboring countries. No one knows exactly when umbrellas were invented, but it's thought they came to Japan via Korea during the Asuka period (538-710). At first, umbrellas were such a luxury item that they also had spiritual significance. But over the centuries some changes were made, and by the Edo period umbrellas were much more common. Still, a lot of craft went into making umbrellas. During the Edo period (1603-1868), umbrellas became a common feature of visual and performing arts. From the Meiji period onward, and particularly after World War II, traditional umbrellas were eclipsed by Western style ones. 

     Kaeru, かえる(蛙) or frogs, in Japan are auspicious creatures, bringing rain, fertility and good fortune due to the abundant number of eggs produced by a frogs when mating (~1500). The frog is regarded as the god of rainfall associated with the tsuyu rainy season and with good harvests in Japan (rainfall being particularly important for abundant harvests of rice). Frogs are ascribed magical powers, and are popular lucky amulets, because the word for frog in Japanese “kaeru” sounds like “kaeru” meaning “return”, therefore implying many happy returns (of money and fortune), a safe return journey, etc. 

     Niji, 虹 or rainbows, were the bridges that human ancestors took to descend to the planet. This legend is shared to some extent with Chinese mythology, which says the red represents the feet, and violet symbolizes the head of a human being. Therefore, a single rainbow signifies a human descending from heaven to earth. This could be for communication, or rebirth.

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Essential Japanese Seasonal Decorations - Summer

Seasonality: Mid Summer/ June

Japanese Name: Tsuyu/ Baiyu/ Ajisai/ Kasa/ Wagasa/ Kaeru

English Name: Rainy Season/ Plum Rain/ Hydrangea/ Umbrella/ Japanese Umbrella/ Frog

     In early summer, most parts of Japan get visited by a rainy season, the so called tsuyu (梅雨, or baiyu), literally meaning "plum rain", because it coincides with the season of plums ripening. In most of Japan, the rainy season lasts from the beginning of June to mid July, while it affects the islands of Okinawa about one month earlier. Only Japan's northernmost main island of Hokkaido gets barely affected by the rainy season. During the rainy season it does not rain every day. In fact, Tokyo registers only an average of 12 rainy days in June, while 120 hours of sunshine are recorded. As for the amount of rainfall, it varies from days with intensive downpours to other days with occasional sprinkles.

    Ajisai, 紫陽花 a.k.a. Hydrangea, is the sign of the rainy season in Japan. Another nickname for hydrangea, called nanahenge, which means seven transformations. The flower is adored and honored by most of the Japanese like they do for ume, sakura and irises. In fact, the flower was first discovered in Japan. In general, they start blooming from early June to mid July. History says hydrangeas have appeared in poems of the Nara period (710-794). During the Edo period (1618-1868), seeing the changeability of the flower, this flower was ignored by the samurai as they used to believe that it is immortal. Hydrangeas change their color with environment in the rain and this fact makes us to think of this as inconsistent, immortal, sadness of impermanence, change of mind, hopeless love and so on. Though, cluster of hydrangea blossoms symbolize enduring love, everlasting friendships, and family bonds.

    Kasa, 傘かさ, is the Japanese general word for umbrella, while the word for the traditional paper umbrellas is wagasa 和傘わがさ. Oil-paper umbrellas were a variety invented in China which spread to many neighboring countries. No one knows exactly when umbrellas were invented, but it's thought they came to Japan via Korea during the Asuka period (538-710). At first, umbrellas were such a luxury item that they also had spiritual significance. But over the centuries some changes were made, and by the Edo period umbrellas were much more common. Still, a lot of craft went into making umbrellas. During the Edo period (1603-1868), umbrellas became a common feature of visual and performing arts. From the Meiji period onward, and particularly after World War II, traditional umbrellas were eclipsed by Western style ones.

    Kaeru, かえる(蛙) or frogs, in Japan are auspicious creatures, bringing rain, fertility and good fortune due to the abundant number of eggs produced by a frogs when mating (~1500). The frog is regarded as the god of rainfall associated with the tsuyu rainy season and with good harvests in Japan (rainfall being particularly important for abundant harvests of rice). Frogs are ascribed magical powers, and are popular lucky amulets, because the word for frog in Japanese “kaeru” sounds like “kaeru” meaning “return”, therefore implying many happy returns (of money and fortune), a safe return journey, etc.

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Essential Japanese Seasonal Decorations - Summer

Seasonality: All Summer/ May - July

Japanese Name: Natsu Matsuri/ Kingyo

English Name: Summer Festival/ Goldfish

    Natsu matsuri (夏祭, summer festivals) is a collective term for festivals observed in summer from the beginning of July through the end of August. Many summer festivals in Japan were either originally associated with O-bon, Tanabata, Gion, and other festivals, or had a peripheral relationship with them. Many of the natsu matsuri tend to have originated in the events observed in rural communities to relieve farmers' fatigue from their agricultural work in the summer season, or originated in the events observed in urban communities to hold memorial services for the people who died from epidemic in summer before the Edo Period. According to folklore research, a natsu matsuri is also interpreted to be a result of development of ancient utagaki (歌垣, a poetry reading party). At some port towns, a variety of natsu matsuri with abundant local colors are unfurled, including minato matsuri (port festivals). A lot of festivals at shrines are also observed in this season. Typical events held for most natsu matsuri include: O-bon festival dance, fireworks, street stalls, karaoke contests, magic shows as well as performances of popular songs and animated children’s television characters. 

    Kingyo (金魚, goldfish) were introduced into Japan via China in the 16th century where they were popular and kept only by the aristocracy and samurai. The Japanese set up breeding programs and eventually developed their unique strains of goldfish to be appreciated from the top view. Thereafter, kingyo-sukui (金魚すくい, goldfish scooping) became popular during the Edo period, leading to the sale of goldfish in towns. Goldfish are a particularly beloved summer feature in Japan that will make you feel “coolness” and “healing” with the way it elegantly swims in water on a hot summer’s day. 

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Essential Japanese Seasonal Decorations - Summer

Seasonality: Mid Summer/ June

Japanese Name: Tsuyu/ Baiyu/ Ajisai

English Name: Rainy Season/ Plum Rain/ Hydrangeas

      In early summer, most parts of Japan get visited by a rainy season, the so called tsuyu (梅雨, or baiyu), literally meaning "plum rain", because it coincides with the season of plums ripening. In most of Japan, the rainy season lasts from the beginning of June to mid July, while it affects the islands of Okinawa about one month earlier. Only Japan's northernmost main island of Hokkaido gets barely affected by the rainy season. During the rainy season it does not rain every day. In fact, Tokyo registers only an average of 12 rainy days in June, while 120 hours of sunshine are recorded. As for the amount of rainfall, it varies from days with intensive downpours to other days with occasional sprinkles. 

    Ajisai, 紫陽花 a.k.a. Hydrangea, is the sign of the rainy season in Japan. Another nickname for hydrangea, called nanahenge, which means seven transformations. The flower is adored and honored by most of the Japanese like they do for ume, sakura and irises. In fact, the flower was first discovered in Japan. In general, they start blooming from early June to mid July. History says hydrangeas have appeared in poems of the Nara period (710-794). During the Edo period (1618-1868), seeing the changeability of the flower, this flower was ignored by the samurai as they used to believe that it is immortal. Hydrangeas change their color with environment in the rain and this fact makes us to think of this as inconsistent, immortal, sadness of impermanence, change of mind, hopeless love and so on. Though, cluster of hydrangea blossoms symbolize enduring love, everlasting friendships, and family bonds. 

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Essential Japanese Seasonal Decorations - Summer

Seasonality: Mid Summer/ June

Japanese Name: Tsuyu/ Baiyu/ Yanagi to Kaeru

English Name: Rainy Season/ Plum Rain/ Willow & Frog

      In early summer, most parts of Japan get visited by a rainy season, the so called tsuyu (梅雨, or baiyu), literally meaning "plum rain", because it coincides with the season of plums ripening. In most of Japan, the rainy season lasts from the beginning of June to mid July, while it affects the islands of Okinawa about one month earlier. Only Japan's northernmost main island of Hokkaido gets barely affected by the rainy season. During the rainy season it does not rain every day. In fact, Tokyo registers only an average of 12 rainy days in June, while 120 hours of sunshine are recorded. As for the amount of rainfall, it varies from days with intensive downpours to other days with occasional sprinkles. 

    Kaeru, かえる(蛙) or frogs, in Japan are auspicious creatures, bringing rain, fertility and good fortune due to the abundant number of eggs produced by a frogs when mating (~1500). The frog is regarded as the god of rainfall associated with the tsuyu rainy season and with good harvests in Japan (rainfall being particularly important for abundant harvests of rice). Frogs are ascribed magical powers, and are popular lucky amulets, because the word for frog in Japanese “kaeru” sounds like “kaeru” meaning “return”, therefore implying many happy returns (of money and fortune), a safe return journey, etc. 

    Yanagi,柳 or willow trees, love damp soil and are often seen growing by streams or rivers. They can easily be propagated by placing a cut branch in water; it will rapidly grow roots. Yanagi is highly associated with femininity. From the Chinese, the Japanese received the beliefs that yanagi could "ward off demons, prevent blindness, and purify." 

    Yanagi to Kaeru, 柳と蛙 or “willow & frog,” are part of a popular Edo story about the famous Heian period calligrapher Ono no Michikaze. One rainy day, he was feeling particularly hopeless and considered quitting his study of calligraphy. He stopped by a stream near a willow tree and saw a small frog trying to leap to a dangling willow branch. He watched the frog leap for the branch, but every time the wind would blow it just out of reach. Finally, on the eighth attempt, the frog clung to the branch. Ono no Michikaze was inspired by the perseverance of the frog, and continued his career to become one of the most famous calligraphers in Japan. There are doubts that the story is true, but it is an inspiring tale nonetheless.

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