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Nishi Honganji (the western temple) is a large temple compound located north west of Kyoto Station. It is one of two head temples of the Jodo Shinshu sect of Buddhism in Kyoto.Japan’s most famous fall flower surly is kiku, known in the west as the “common garden chrysanthemum” or more simply mum. It is said that they were first brought to Japan from China as a medicine, coupled with a tale about them bringing long life (we’re talking 100s of years).

 Aside from the cherry blossom, the

chrysanthemum (kiku) is considered

to be Japan’s national flower,

since it is associated with the Imperial Family. Not only does it appear

on the imperial crest, but the

monarchy is also referred to as the Chrysanthemum

Throne.  Kiku exhibition at Nishi Honganji Temple

Chrysanthemums trained in bonsai forms

Fukusukezukuri  style - one flower on a tiny plant

The large flowered kiku type called atsumono are typically grown in groups of three. This training style is known as sanbonjitate with each flower representing balancing elements: heaven, earth, and human

Atsumono Kiku is produced by removing all other buds as it grows so that one stem may produce just one flower. For the competition, the atsumono type is displayed as a trio, with each flower at exactly the same height as the others

At the base, it sometimes looks

like the three stems have come from one origin, but

actually the three stems have grown

separately and then later been tied

together for a more appealing base

The head of the flower is fairly large, spanning up to 20cm across. The three flowers act as a balance to each other, and each flower has a different meaning – earth, heaven and human. All the elements are considered to be important and must be equal in height

“Raising a kiku from seed is more difficult than raising

children”

Kudamono kiku (spider mum)

Sagagiku are known as brush or thistle chrysanthemums in the west

Many family crests have featured this flower, which is a symbol of longevity; you can see it on the 50-yen coin, too. Because of the chrysanthemum’s significance, there are several flower festivals dedicated to it

Kudamono kiku (spider mum)

To drink the dew off chrysanthemums is considered an elixir for long life

To prepare Chrysanthemum

Wine, you have to float some

Chrysanthemum petals in rice

wine, appreciate their beauty first and then drink

Kudamono kiku, known as the spider chrysanthemum

Kiku variety called 'Dance‘ classified as a spoon flower type in the west

The seal of the Japanese imperial family is the kiku

flower, based on the flat, ichimonji type

Perhaps the most visually stunning flower

type is the huge ichimonji kiku

which can be up to 20 cm across. This type

has large, wide florets that are supported below by a disc of white paper. The

Japanese royal family crest is patterned after

this type

Text: InternetPictures: Internet Nicoleta LeuCopyright: All the images belong to their authors

Presentation: Sanda Foişoreanuwww.slideshare.net/michaelasanda

Sound: Teresa Teng 2016