Is it true that hydrangeas are called "dead man's flower" in Japan?
This article provides an introduction to the knowledge of the green plants and flowers regarding the question of whether hydrangeas are called "dead man's flower" in Japan. The editor of this site will introduce the topic to everyone next.
Is it true that hydrangeas are called "dead man's flower" in Japan?
Hydrangeas are not called "dead man's flower" in Japan; they are called "ajisai." The alias of hydrangeas is "eight immortals flower" or "ajisai." The term "dead man's flower" refers to the alias of "manjushaka," which is also known as "higanbana" (彼岸花). In Japan, hydrangeas are often called "ajisai," a name that originated from China, inspired by a poem by Bai Juyi. This plant not only has high ornamental value but also has a nice meaning.
Is hydrangea called "dead man's flower" in Japan?
Hydrangea is not called "dead man's flower" in Japan. "Dead man's flower" is an alias for "manjushaka," while hydrangea is called "ajisai" in Japan.
There are many varieties of hydrangeas in Japan, with various colors. In Tokyo's Bunkyo Garden alone, there are 150 varieties, totaling more than 10,000 plants. The red, white, blue, pink, and purple flowers are brightly embedded in the green leaves, creating a magnificent sight.
Ajisai naturally has a rich and full appearance, and it doesn't seem to carry the delicate sadness found in Japanese culture. However, the Japanese still love it deeply. With ajisai as a backdrop, the colors in Japanese anime become more vivid and rich.
Is hydrangea a "鬼召花" (ghost-summoning flower)?
Many people say that hydrangeas can summon ghosts, so some call it the "dead man's flower." However, this view is not universally accepted.
In fact, the meaning of hydrangea in our country is quite auspicious. It even has the legend of the "eight immortals flower," so keeping hydrangeas at home is often considered to be auspicious.
The origin of the name "ajisai"
It is recorded that the term "ajisai" was initially transmitted from China to Japan. The origin is a poem by Bai Juyi: "In what year was it planted on the immortal's altar, and when will it be transplanted to the Buddhist temple? Although it is unknown to people in the world, I will name it 'ajisai' for you."
Later, some Japanese scholars argued that what he described might be lilacs because Bai mentioned in the preface "a mountain flower, purple in color and fragrant," while ajisai has no fragrance and does not grow into a large tree. To match it this way is indeed a bit far-fetched.
However, this is no longer important. Japanese literati admire Bai's poems and think this line is very good, so the name "ajisai" has been used ever since. The famous "Man'yōshū" even has a poem that goes: "The trees are silent, unable to bear the changing color of the ajisai, which confuses the heart."
In fact, before the name "ajisai" was introduced to Japan, there were already many songs and haikus themed around it.
At that time, it had some peculiar names, such as "Shūjinran," "Mikuroran," or "Anji Sawa" and "Abu Sawa," the latter two being phonetic translations, both describing its clustered flower shape and beautiful blue color.
The above is a detailed explanation of whether hydrangeas are called "dead man's flower" in Japan, for everyone's reference and suggestion!