Hanakotoba: The Japanese Word for the Language of Flowers
Meanings, nature, elegance of flowers
We, humans, believe that only our own species in the world can establish a sound communication language. Animals at least make noises and move, but plants can do nothing but stay where they are. However, this is a big mistake. Plants can move. Proof of this is sunflowers turning towards the sun. Plants can sense. Try talking to a flower and stroking its leaves and you will see the difference. Plants can communicate with us.
Again, Japanese culture, which I am a fan of, gave it a name.
Hanakotoba.
Hanakotoba includes what plants express to humans rather than how they communicate within themselves. In other words, every flower has a meaning according to Japanese culture and they are used according to this meaning.
Some flowers and the ideas they stand for, according to the Japanese Hanakotoba, are as follows:
Sakura (Cherry Blossom) - A Pure and Gentle Heart
Renge (Lotus) - Purity & Nobility
Tsubaki (Camellia) - A Noble Death
Sumire (Violet) - Honesty & Sincerity
Yuri (Orange Lily) - Fun & Splendor
Hanakotoba is useful for both kimonos, the national clothing of Japan, and the flower arrangement art ikebana. A kimono with flower motifs that have significant importance according to the event you’ll join is a tradition. Kimono is not only a cloth but also a tool for expression.
I love flowers. How pretty that a such cheerful and elegant words are adopted in some cultures of our world.
Long live flowers!