Today's Flower Language (3/21)

The Spring Magic Announced by Witch Hazel: Golden Hope Lit on International Day of Forests

March 21st is the International Day of Forests. It is an international day established by the United Nations General Assembly in December 2012 to raise awareness about forests and trees. Forests are called the 'lungs of the Earth,' providing the oxygen essential for our survival, regulating the climate, and nurturing diverse life. On this day, initiatives for forest conservation and activities to convey the importance of greenery are held around the world.

And today's birth flower, Witch Hazel (Mansaku), has flower meanings that are somewhat mystical and full of hope: 'inspiration,' 'spell,' 'intuition,' and 'return of happiness.'

Witch hazel is a yellow flower that announces the arrival of spring earlier than any other. In the early spring of February and March, before the trees have even begun to bud, it blooms in the mountain forests, covering its branches with long, ribbon-like yellow flowers. The flowers are characterized by delicate, irregularly curved petals that look like golden threads dancing in the wind. Though not flashy, its appearance, lit up in the still-shallow forest of spring, radiates a magical glow.

There are various theories about the origin of its name, but the most prominent is that 'mazu saku' (blooms first) evolved into 'mansaku.' Other auspicious meanings are also embedded in the name, such as 'mansaku' (blooming fully) because the flowers bloom as if filling the branches, and 'honen mansaku' (bountiful harvest) because it blooms profusely in good harvest years. The Chinese name 'kinroubai' (golden thread plum) describes the beauty of the flowers, which resemble golden threads. It also has the nickname 'tokishirazu' (time-ignorant) because it blooms without regard for the season.

Native to the mountains and fields of Japan, witch hazel has long been loved as a tree that announces spring in the countryside. The flower meanings of 'inspiration' and 'spell' come from the mystery of it suddenly blooming with golden flowers in a winter forest where not even a hint of spring can be felt. The wonder of its timing, which seems to transcend the laws of nature, is as if the forest is chanting a magic spell to summon spring. 'Return of happiness' symbolizes the joy of spring, which returns after overcoming a harsh winter.

Blooming on the International Day of Forests, witch hazel, as a messenger announcing spring first in the forest, teaches us something important. The cradle of life that is the forest is quietly, yet surely, repeating the cycle of seasons and the regeneration of life. It is within that process that our hope for the future is also being nurtured.

Today, as we think about the richness of the forest, the golden witch hazel flower lights a spark of inspiration and hope in our hearts, like a spell saying, 'Spring, come forth.'