Koto Jazz 35: HanaKotoba (language of flowers)

Hanakotoba literally translated means “word flower”, and is the Japanese “language of flowers”. In this practice, plants are given codes and passwords that evoke the emotion inspired by the physiological characteristics and colors of the flowers, according to Wikipedia.

There is a clear relationship between the color of flowers, the most distinctive and resplendent expression of color in the natural world, and its meaning to each individual’s and/or cultural experiences of the color. This can be deeply personal. Artists have long associated moods, feelings and emotions with certain colors. Blue for example, is associated with feeling calm and cozy, while in western culture it represents masculine competence and quality. Blues and purples can also evoke feelings of apathy. Yellow is associated with anxiety. For others, the color yellow can mean warmth, as is the case with orange and red. The color white symbolizes purity and innocence in the west, while it can represent mourning in some eastern traditions.

Though the scientific research behind it is limited, colors may impact a person’s stress level, blood pressure, metabolism, and eye stress, according to Kendra Cherry in About.com’s “Color Psychology”.

The Chinese advanced the practice of chromotherapy for healing (source: Kendra Cherry, About.com’s Color Psychology), and here are sample associations between colors and their healing properties:

Red was used to stimulate the body and mind and to increase circulation.

Yellow was thought to stimulate the nerves and purify the body.

Orange was used to heal the lungs and to increase energy levels.

Blue was believed to soothe illnesses and treat pain.

Indigo shades were thought to alleviate skin problems.

Pink expressed the light, quiet, sweeter side of love

Below are some of the flowers and their HanaKotoba meanings. See if the chromotherapy meanings or their cultural associations of color match up at all with the Hanakotoba meanings:

Scientific Name– Japanese Name– Romaji– English Meaning–

Amaryllis Belladonna
アマリリス Amaririsu Amaryllis Shy Amarylis Flower

Anemone Narcissifolia
アネモネ Anemone Anemone Sincere Anenome Flower

Aster Tataricus
紫苑 Shion Aster tataricus Remembrance

Azalea
躑躅 Tsutsuji Azalea Patient/Modest Pink Azalea

Common Bluebell
ブルーベル Burūberu Bluebell Grateful

Camellia Japonica
椿 Tsubaki Camellia (Red) In Love, Perishing with grace Camellia Japonica

Camellia Japonica Nobilissima
椿 Tsubaki Camellia (White) Waiting

Carnation
カーネーション Kānēshon Carnation Fascination, Distinction, and Love

Cherry Blossom
桜 Sakura Cherry Blossom Kind/Gentle Cherry Blossom

Yellow Chrysanthemum
黄菊 Kigiku Chrysanthemum (Yellow) Imperial

Chrysanthemums
白菊 Shiragiku Chrysanthemum (White) Truth Chrysanthemum

Four Leaf Clover
(四つ葉の) クローバー (Yotsuba no) kurōbā Four-leaf clover Lucky

Daffodil
水仙 Suisen Daffodil Respect

Dahlia
天竺牡丹 Tenjikubotan Dahlia Good taste Dahlia

Daisy
雛菊 Hinagiku Daisy Faith

Forget-me-not
勿忘草 Wasurenagusa Forget-me-not True love Forget-Me-Not

Freesia
フリージア Furījia Freesia Childish/Immature

Gardenia
梔子 Kuchinashi Gardenia Secret love

Habenaria radiata
鷺草 Sagiso Habenaria radiata My thoughts will follow you into your dreams

Hibiscus
ハイビースカス Haibīsukasu Hibiscus Gentle
Hibiscus

Honeysuckle
忍冬 Suikazura Honeysuckle Generous Honeysuckle

Hydrangea
紫陽花 Ajisai Hydrangea Pride

Iris
アイリス, 菖蒲 Ayame Iris Good News/Glad tidings/loyalty Japanese Purple Iris

Lavender
ラベンダー Rabendā Lavender Faithful

White Lily
白百合 Shirayuri Lily (White) Purity/Chastity

Tiger Lily
鬼百合 Oniyuri Tiger Lily Wealth Tiger Lily

Morning Glory
朝顔 Asagao Morning Glory Willful promises Morning Glory

Narcissus
水仙 Suisen Narcissus Self-Esteem

Peony
パンジー Panjī Pansy Thoughtful/Caring Orange Peony

Red Poppy
雛芥子 Hinageshi Poppy (Red) Fun-Loving

Red Rose
紅薔薇 Benibara Rose (Red) Love/In love

White Rose
薔薇 Bara Rose (White) Innocence/Silence/Devotion White Rose