October 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, October. The month of October is when leaves finally start to change color and the season of autumn can really be seen. As leaves begin to change color, some of the greenery seems lost, but this is counteracted by the bright autumnal flowers blooming during this time.



Chrysanthemum (kiku)

October is the beginning of when we can really see the start of autumn's change of colors. The colder weather and crisp air pervades the change of greens to the brilliant orange and red hues that are to come in November. In the meantime, the month of October acts as a go between of this change with a combination of bare trees, some greenery, and the early starts of the beautiful orange hues. Mixed between this change, is the presence of the well known chrysanthemum.

The chrysanthemum, known as kiku in Japan, holds a high value to the Japanese culture. Chrysanthemums have long been cultivated as a flowering herb since the 15th century BC in China for it's many healthy uses. Around the 8th century AD, the flower was introduced to Japan through China. After some time, the flower was chosen by the Emperor of Japan as his official seal that was to only be worn by him and the imperial family. As such, the flower became a symbol of respect and admiration, as wherever it's symbol went the presence of the emperor could be felt. This can be seen, for example, in the celebratory event that is held every year honoring the flower known as the "Festival of Happiness."

The flower itself has many varieties all throughout the world and in Japan. However, the most recognized type in Japan is the "Irregular Incurve chrysanthemum," which is most notable for it's large size and curving petals that curve inward to hide it's center, yet also have petals around the edges that curve downwards to create a skirt like effect. These flowers grow in large single giant bloom which can grow as big as 20cm (about 8 inches), which has caused them to be called "ogiku" in Japanese, meaning "big chrysanthemum."

Kiku kanzashi can be created from many types of materials, but most commonly are created from tsumami fabric.  The kiku kanzashi itself is designed to imitate the many many layers of petals of it's live inspiration, causing it to feature a large collection of folded tsumami petals circling around each other stacked in often as many as five to eight layers. Also, there may be a focal point where the layered petals come into or it may also just be yet another layered petal spiral. The most commonly used color for this kanzashi is of a vibrant hues of  warm colors such as those of yellows, orange, and red. 

Occasionally you may come across other colors such as white, but autumnal colors dominate the color field in kiku designs. Small accent colors are often found in the petals as a way to add more interest and color differentiation, as well. As for the kanzashi design itself can be found in many ways most commonly as a large single flower to mimic the living plant, but small groupings in a circle pattern and a bridged designed with many flowers pop up in kiku designs as well. Smaller accessories such as bira bira or little leaves may be present, but for the most part the kiku kanzashi is usually just presented as the well loved large pretty flower that it is.



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

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

Kanzashi Artist/Photographer: Amaebi79 (Chrysanthemum Kanzashi)

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