Hanafuda Japanese Flower Calendar Series Part 3 [Second Half]: From Deepening Autumn to Winter. Patterns from September to December

― The deepening of life embodied in Chrysanthemums, Maple, Willow, and Paulownia ―

The "wisdom of living" depicted in the second half of Hanafuda

In the second half of Hanafuda, from September to December, the flowers and trees depicted carry a slightly more composed atmosphere.

This is a time that comes after the harvest, a wisdom for looking back on life, accepting it, and moving forward.

In the first and middle parts, we looked at beginnings, growth, and wishes.

In this second half, we will trace the meaning and beauty of aging along with the flowers of Hanafuda.

[September] Chrysanthemum

{Meaning} Longevity, Nobility, Warding off evil

{Episode} September 9th is the Choyo Festival (Chrysanthemum Festival). Chrysanthemums have been called spiritual herbs that ward off evil and bring longevity. The character for "Kotobuki" (longevity) on the sake cup depicted clearly shows that this is a celebratory month for life.

The chrysanthemum is a flower that has long been considered a symbol of eternal youth and longevity.

It has also been used as a medicinal herb and was believed to have the power to ward off evil.

It is such a prestigious flower that it is even used as the Imperial family's crest.

Furthermore, the chrysanthemum crest is on the cover of Japanese passports, and it has also been used as a pattern on 100-yen commemorative coins.

The chrysanthemum in Hanafuda is an existence that symbolizes "aging healthily" itself.

It is a flower that evokes quiet dignity rather than flamboyance.

[October] Maple

{Meaning} Change, Maturity, Deepening of life

{Episode} There is a somewhat interesting theory that the card with the deer looking away, ignoring people even when they approach, is the origin of the word "shikato" (to ignore).

October, when autumn deepens. Deer are considered messengers of the gods, and by pairing them with maple leaves, it expresses the "divinity found within the loneliness of late autumn."

Maple leaves, which turn from green to red and yellow.

That change is not an end, but
represents the beauty of maturity.

The maple leaves of Hanafuda do not fear change,
teaching us the importance of accepting it.

Growing older is also
a process of gaining color,
the flowers seem to whisper softly.

[November] Willow

{Meaning} Suppleness, flexibility, and an unbreakable spirit

{Episode} The card depicts the Heian-period calligrapher Ono no Michikaze. It illustrates the legend that he realized the "importance of continuing to make an effort" after watching a frog repeatedly try to jump onto a willow branch.

↓ For more on Ono no Michikaze, please see the article by Ono Terusaki Shrine, which has connections to him.

Swaying in the wind, yet
standing supple and unbroken, the willow.

From this appearance, flexibility has been considered true strength.

The willow in Hanafuda symbolizes a way of life that does not resist unnecessarily,
but goes with the flow.

To relax, to let go of the tension in your shoulders.

The willow is a flowering tree that teaches the wisdom
needed precisely in the latter half of life.

A moist scene with falling rain. It is the only dramatic card where a human appears as the protagonist.

[December] Paulownia

{Meaning} Nobility, leaping forward, and new beginnings

{Episode} The conclusion of the year features the "Paulownia," considered a sacred tree, and the legendary bird, the "Phoenix."

Since ancient times, it was believed that the phoenix would only appear when a virtuous ruler emerged.

The paulownia grows quickly and is the tree
believed to be the only place where the phoenix rests.

Therefore, it symbolizes
career advancement, success,
and a leap toward the future.

The paulownia, which adorns the end of the Hanafuda deck, is an existence that represents an "end"
while simultaneously signifying a new beginning.

Concluding the year and heading toward the next...

It is a flowering tree that evokes a sense of hope.

A motif so prestigious that it is also used in the Japanese government's emblem (the 5-7 Paulownia). ↓

On top of three leaves, there are seven flowers in the center, with five flowers on the left and right sides. It is a very auspicious card, fitting for concluding the year.

Hanafuda is a floral calendar that reflects the flow of life

The Hanafuda cards from September to December share a common message.

・Do not fear growing older ・Accept change ・Live flexibly ・And, start anew

Hanafuda has depicted life itself by likening it to the four seasons.

More than just a game, something that remains in the heart

Hanafuda is not just for competing to win or lose.

By knowing the meanings and looking at each card one by one,

you can gently turn your attention to the time you have walked and how you will live from here on.

Picking up Hanafuda at the turning point of the New Year.

It may be a quiet time of preparation to appreciate the year that has passed and welcome the new year.

Conclusion | Hanafuda is a story of the Japanese heart

Tracing the meanings from January to December in this way, we realize that Hanafuda is not just a game, but exists like a "museum that condenses the transition of Japan's four seasons."

The 12 months of flowers depicted on Hanafuda are proof that the Japanese people have lived alongside the seasons.

Beginnings,
growth,
harvest,
and then acceptance and rebirth.

Hanafuda continues to tell
gentle floral stories that accompany us through every stage of life🌸

In modern times, when our minds and bodies are exhausted from
smartphones, computers, and the like.

Consciously distancing ourselves from these digital devices to reduce fatigue and stress—
Hanafuda might actually be useful for
a "digital detox."

Please try adding this traditional Japanese game
to your time
of relaxation.

Thank you for reading ✨✨

*While you can play with apps these days, there is something special about holding physical "cards" in your hands↓

↑Like Nintendo's "Daitoryo" (President) deck,
the solid thickness and texture of the Japanese paper,

and the pleasant "snap" sound they make
are special experiences you cannot get from a digital screen⚜️

✳Copyright is not waived.
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