The meaning of "peony" in Japanese kimono

The pattern of motives is "peony".

The peony is a flower with big petals and is called the most gorgeous flower. It is referred to as "the king of a hundred of flowers". The bud is small and hard, But once it blooms, it displays its gorgeous face every year.

The growth process and gorgeousness of peony blossoms are seen asa symbol of the “fully grown woman”.

Because of this, the peony is the most popular motif for Furisode, the kimono for the coming-of-age ceremony for women.

many mothers want their daughters to wear the kimono with the peony’s motif.

Status of the peony in old Japan

In the past, only royal and upper-class people could enjoy viewing the peony. It put forth an image of nobility, wealth, elegance and so on.

Although the peony comes in various colors, pink is the most popular, with white, yellow,, orange, purple and other colors also available..

*The history of the peony and Japanese people

The Peony was brought from China in around the 6th-7th century to Japan. At that time it was just an ornamental flower, and only upper-class people could enjoy it. Some families in Japan used the peony as a family crest.

Over time, and with the help of plant breeding, peonies became more available and popular among the masses.. Now we can enjoy them at parks, gardens, temples, and so on.

One such place, in the Greater Tokyo area, is Ueno toshogu ‘s Botan Park beside Ueno Station. It hasa peony viewing event from the beginning of April to around mid May. (with Admission fee)

Other locations include beside Haneda Airport, Shinshu-en 瀋秀園 , Daishi park, beside Kawasaki Daishi Heikenji temple, Kawasaki city. there is no admission fee.

In the Kyusyu area, Sasebo flower park a.k.a “Sasebo Kaen 佐世保花園” in Sasebo city. Nagasaki Prefecture is also famous for its 50.000’s peonies.

The blooming season is around April to June, with some which are bred for the autumn and winter seasons as well.. In the Shinshu-en, the one near Haneda airport and Kawasaki Daishi temple, you can enjoy both April and January.