#mid spring

Plant the seeds for your life

Cultivate them

Fertilize them with love

Dance and sing to them

And reap what you sow

Beauty is everywhere in Nature within every season/

Photo By Arawn

Essential Japanese Seasonal Decorations - Spring

Seasonality: Mid Spring/ March

Japanese Name: Wagashi - Hana Temari

English Name: Traditional Japanese Confectionery - Flower Ball

     Sakura (桜), despite not producing any useful fruit, the sakura tree became a backbone of Japanese culture and is now used in the West to represent Japan. In a spiritual sense, the sakura reminds viewers that life is short and beautiful, just like the cherry blossom that falls from the tree after just a few days. This is tied to the Buddhist roots of Japan. It’s the most commonly used symbol of mortality in all types of art. However, there is a darker side to the beautiful pink and white flowers too. The sakura was used as a nationalistic symbol in propaganda during World War II, but the flower has recovered a better reputation since that point.

     Temari (手まり), also known as “hand balls,” were once a common children’s toy made from remnants of old kimono. It’s was common for mothers of the aristocracy and nobility to craft them for their children, hence it was seen as a sign of wealth and status. Mothers today still make them for their children because they layer papers with goodwill wishes for her child between the various layers of fabric and stitching. It’s said that a mother never reveals the wishes she placed into the temari.

(Text Source 1)(Text Source 2)