October 30, 2019
Cosmos flowers charm Japanese with elegant, dignified appearance
As the season gradually shifts from fall to winter, the view around the living environment is becoming gloomier in many parts of Japan. People in northern Japan have already begun to prepare for the arrival of cold days, while those in warmer regions are still enjoying their days with less brighter but cute autumn flowers.
The cosmos flower, which belongs to the chrysanthemum family, is one of the most favored autumn flowers in Japan. Cosmos is sometimes called "akizakura" in Japan. This means the autumn sakura cherry blossom.
Japanese liken cosmos flowers to sakura blossoms which charm and enliven people across the country in spring, maybe because both flowers have the same character which inspires their heart, something which is fragile but strong and tough inside.
The sakura blossoms are loved by Japanese perhaps because they fall in a graceful manner quickly after blooming. The cosmos flowers are pretty, willowy and pitiable, but they can stand softly against strong winds, and if trampled on, get back on their feet.Besides wild species, there are over 20 garden species of cosmos flowers in Japan. They are available mostly from August to October, but a garden species called "winter cosmos" by cosmos lovers can bloom toward winter.
One day, a bunch of winter cosmos flowers was placed in a vase at the entrance hall of my home.
My wife had just obtained the flowers from a friend of her, who is living in the neighborhood. She said, "the flower (winter cosmos) can be easily spread by cutting, and we can long enjoy it," according to my wife.
The white, single-petaled flower, with a yellow center, looked dignified in chilly morning air.
The cosmos flowers including the garden species should continue to console and support many Japanese, helping them to withstand hard times ahead.
