June 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, June. The month of June is truly the start of Summer with warm breezes and sunshine really starting to appear, only to be held up by the rain that predominant this month. As it is the rainy season in Japan during this time,  many beautiful plants thrive and bloom with the ample amounts of rain and sun.



Weeping Willow (yanagi)

The weeping willow, known as yanagi in Japan, really comes into focus during the month of June because of it's water loving nature. The weeping willow ideally grows in wetter areas such as next to a river or lake, and thus during Japan's rainy season of June grows quite well. With Summer finally awakening, many people will begin to seek shelter in the shade from the sun and in this particular month, shelter under their umbrellas due to the rain. Although not as many festivals take place in June as July many traditional Japanese activities are enjoyed. As such, this is often a favorite time for the geisha as the willow motif is traditionally associated with geisha and the "flower and willow world." You'll find that many people retreat indoors to get away from the heat and rain to enjoy the company of these talented women.

Willow kanzashi are available in a couple of varieties, but generally conform to a similar look as there isn't that severe of difference between members of it's species. They can be made of many materials with the most often found being silk folded tsumami style. The colorings of the willow kanzashi are almost always in shades of green, usually taking to the lighter green hues to imitate their living counterparts. The leaves of the willow kanzashi are often shaped into a long drooping petals that fall down in a manner similar to a vine. The willow kanzashi's leafy vines may be accompanied by a flower or two to break up the mass of green coloring and to capture the look of flowers blooming on an actual willow.

Other smaller details, such as small bells or bira bira, are commonly seen as well. Different colorings and slight style changes are popular with less formal versions of this kanzashi. You may see a traditionally looking willow kanzashi that has silver streamers popping out gently dangling amount the vines, for example. Other designs may take a more stylistic approach and will employ bright colors and unusual characteristics to make a more modern fashion statement. You will most commonly see willow kanzashi as a grouping of vines dangling gently together, in many different lengths much as the real life tree.

Hydrangea (ajisai)*

The hydrangea, known as ajisai in Japan, is also another plant that is fond of water in this rainy season.  Hydrangea come in many varieties and thrive quite well in the many climates found in Japan. The flowers of the hydrangea are long lasting and come about in early Spring, lasting all the way to late autumn. Most people begin to pay attention to them during this month as June is when they start to really show all of their colors.

While the hydrangea is able to come in a variety of colors, they'll most commonly be seen in blue shades to mimic the rainy weather. Other colors of ajisai are shades of purple, white, and light pinks. They can be made of many materials, but are found mostly as the silk folded tsumami style. Each flower is generally constructed to mimic the four petal design of the living plant with a small central stamen in the center. The leaves are usually designed in a similar fashion, but with the grouping of leaves coming to a rounded point underneath the flower or mixed among them.

Different colorings and slight style changes are popular with less formal versions of this kanzashi, as well. Other designs may take a more stylistic approach and will employ bright colors and unusual characteristics to make a more modern fashion statement. The hydrangea kanzashi is typically grouped in small clusters of the flowers or featured with one very large cluster. Sometimes many colors will be used for each cluster on the kanzashi's design. Other embellishments, such as butterflies or bells may be found on the ajisai design, but this is less common.



As you can see, all of the kanzashi found in the month of June 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 June's traditional seasonal kanzashi. Expect more articles to be added for each month in the future!

* Hydrangea Kanzashi Images Still To Be Added.

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

Kanzashi Artist/Photographer: Amaebi79 (Weeping Willow)

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