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@camelliakyoto@mastodon.social · 4 weeks ago

🌺THE QUEST FOR ETERNAL YOUTH💦

Chrysanthemum dew was believed to have age-reversing qualities, and from the end of the 9thC the aristocracy would drape floss-silk on the flowers before Chōyō-no-Sekku.
The next morning the damp and fragrant cloth was gently wiped on faces.

#Japan #autumn #longevity

Illustration showing preparations for a Chrysanthemum Appreciation Contest in the Edo period.

Camellia Tea Ceremony

@camelliakyoto@mastodon.social replied · 4 weeks ago

In the hope of living a long life (and avoiding misfortune) people would drink saké mixed with chrysanthemum petals on the 9th of the 9th.
The flowers have long been a symbol of immortality.

chrysanthemum month-
for every mountain village
days of saké
菊月や山里里も供日酒
-Kobayashi Issa (小林一茶).

To celebrate the 9th of the 9th chrysanthemum petals mixed in sake. As chrysanthemums were associated with immortality, people would drink the petals as a form of prayer for a long life (and life without misfortune).

Camellia Tea Ceremony

@camelliakyoto@mastodon.social replied · 4 weeks ago

Many sweets around the time of 'The Feast of Chrysanthemums' (菊の節句) are named after the silk floss used to collect dew from the flowers.

Suetomi's (末富) 'kisewata' (着せ綿 'cotton covering') is one such sweet, depicting cotton draped on the head of a pink chrysanthemum.

#wagashi #和菓子

Suetomi's 'kisewata' reimagines a pink chrysanthemum flower covered in cotton... it was tradition for members of the court to catch the dew from chrysanthemum petals to rub on their skin. It was believed the dew has special qualities, not just for beauty, but for long life.

It is common to see chrysanthemums displayed at shrines during the autumn months. Competitions continue to be held, a chance to view and appreciate chrysanthemums.

Camellia Tea Ceremony

@camelliakyoto@mastodon.social replied · 4 weeks ago

Senbon Tamajuken (千本玉壽軒) makes use of kudzu to give their 'kisewata' (着せ綿) a glistening beauty, highlighting the dew so coveted by the folk at court.

Nao-san paired the sweet with a crane tea bowl. Like chrysanthemums, cranes have long been a symbol of longevity.
#Japan #wagashi #和菓子

Senbon Tamajuken 'kisewata' uses kudzu 'jelly' to give the sweet a glistening appearance, giving the impression of dew on a flower.

A crane tea bowls is a perfect compliment to the 'feast of chrysanthemums' as it also symbolises longevity.

Camellia Tea Ceremony

@camelliakyoto@mastodon.social replied · 4 weeks ago

Chōyō-no-Sekku never really caught on with the masses, despite some attempts by the Edo Shōgunate to revive Kikuawase and other traditions that had disappeared after Kamakura times.

Harvest time coincided with chrysanthemum season, and thus focus remained on bringing in the crops.

Chestnuts, along with yams and sweet potatoes, feature in the flavourings of many sweets at this time of year.

This sweet is branded with a design representing an autumn grass being blown flat by fall winds.

Small sweets in the shape of chestnuts, another crop that is harvested as autumn deepens.

September marks harvest time, and many sweets at this time of year feature motifs such as ears of rice.

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