When I arrived at my flower class last week, Sensei had collected some magnificent materials. I gravitated to the peach blossoms—still in bud. Seeing this, Sensei recommended that I create a Girl’s Day arrangement. (March 3 is Girl’s Day in Japan. On this festival day, families celebrate at home to ensure the present and future healthy growth and happiness of their young daughters.)
She told me I should use yellow flowers in combination with the peach blossoms. The
rest was up to me. That said, I choose two different yellows, the mustard yellow of the chrysanthemums and the orange-yellow of the lilies. I added the glossy green camellia leaves for mass and background material.
The yellow of the lilies and chrysanthemums were chosen for their warmth, attraction and brightness. Combined with the gentle pinks of peach blossoms and camellia flowers, I envision nestling in a honeycomb! Come to find out, that, too, is probably appropriate.
In a Girl’s Day arrangement, peach blossoms represent the feminine traits of gentility, composure and tranquility--and they symbolize a happy marriage. Surely, a cozy home is part of the high dream parents hold for their daughters.
As the days pass, more and more of the peach blossom buds are opening into beautiful puffs of pink (They look like tiny tutus!) and the lilies are bursting into their fullness. I think to myself: This is what parents in Japan wish for their daughters.
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