February Kanzashi Feature

This section is a part of kanzashi feature, providing a more in detail look at the symbolism, style, colorings, and design of the kanzashi that are traditionally worn during that month - in this case, February. The month of February is much concerned with the subtle hints left of Winter as it is of the upcoming bursts of Spring. You will notice how many of the kanzashi seem to be stuck in a transition stage between the two seasons, much as the flowers they are meant to portray.



Plum Blossom (Ume)

During February as the snow and cold begins to fade you will notice flowers popping up to resist the cold. One of the flowers best known to do this is the Plum Blossom, known as Ume, in Japan. They are seen as symbols of persistence due to their ability to bloom and be beautiful against the harsh bleakness of Winter.

The strong colored petals representing purity and all that is good fighting against all odds and overcoming is seen as very iconic, as are the small buds opening up to symbolize young love and it's potential - making it a favorite flower and choice of kanzashi amongst many.

The plum blossom kanzashi itself is usually formed to look like the trailing deep pink and sometimes red ume blossoms that are beginning to bud and open in Japan at this time. You will see many variations and creative liberties taken with the colors of the ume, but it will always feature the double layered five petal "blueprint" as to imitate the look of it's true life counterpart.

The Ume kanzashi will often be seen as a single Ume flower on a branch with small buds and leaves beginning to sprout and grow again. It will also be seen as numerous little ume blossoms gathered together as a group accompanied by little buds and small leaves.


Daffodil (Suisen)*

Another flower represented in February kanzashi is the bright and happy Daffodil, known as suisen, in Japan. The daffodil appears in the late Winter and is seen as the flower that gives the final push to Spring. The white petals of the flower represent purity and peace bringing in new life, with the yellow center representing the warmth and color that is to be found in the approaching Spring season.

The daffodil kanzashi itself, is designed to imitate it's counterpart and has six rounded petals with small points on the end, surrounding a yellow to orange colored center with stamens popping out. The outside petals are usually white, but occasionally you will see kanzashi take on petals of the yellow color much like the other varieties of daffodil that exist.

Commonly, the daffodil kanzashi will be seen as a grouping of three medium sized flowers in a triangular pattern or six smaller size flowers in a cluster. There will usually be small leaves sprouting out from underneath the flowers and other small accents to bring out the white petals more. Another look that you'll find, is the lone daffodil that is of a larger size with a few leaves and perhaps unopened daffodils still in bud form.


Kusudama (Decorative Paper Ball)

Another kanzashi that is seen in February, as well as during the Setsubun festival, is the kusudama, which has the literal meaning of "medicine ball" as in ancient Japan it commonly stored herbs and incense, but in the current modern context is more of a decorative paper ball. The paper ball is created by sewing or gluing together triangular pyramids that are shaped like origami flowers to form the shape of a ball. These balls are often given a pretty gifts and used to decorate the home.

The bright colored kusudama is quite a complex creation and a traditional Japanese handicraft, which is probably why it is treasured and its bright colors appreciated as a sign of Spring to come, much as the other February kanzashi symbolize.

The kusudama kanzashi itself is designed to take on the ball form much like the paper ball it is meant to portray. As such, you'll see that it is a rounded ball covered completely in tsumami petals. The petals can be either round or pointed in shape, but frequently the kusudama is seen with a combination of both. There is usually a focal point from which the petals start from that resembles the center of a flower or a small coil. A final interesting detail that is present in the kusudama is that of a small dangling tassel attached to the bottom that gently sways about.

The colors seen on the kusudama are not set and seem to have an indefinite amount of variety. The pattern of the petals on the kusudama kanzashi itself are quite numerous. The most seen styles are those of a spiraling pattern that have various colored petals turning about the kanzashi in a hypnotizing manner and in a four quadrant style that features the ball divided into four different colors similarly spiraling around.



As you can see, all of the kanzashi found in the month of February are quite beautiful and represent the feelings natural aspects of the month with grace, much as their natural counterparts do. Every month holds a uniqueness about it that is better captured in the art of kanzashi than is usually noticed in today's fast paced world. I hope you have enjoyed reading about February's traditional seasonal kanzashi. Expect more articles to be added for each month in the future!

* Daffodil Kanzashi Images Still To Be Added.

Author: Skye Altamirano
Date: February 2008
Contact: tantaga [at] tantaga.com

Kanzashi Artist/Photographer: Amaebi79 (Ume, Kusudama)

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