Introduction
Cosmos are known for their vibrant pink, purple, and white hues, which blossom gracefully each autumn, painting fields and parks across Japan with captivating beauty. Today, cosmos fields invite countless visitors to enjoy their delicate petals. In this article, you will learn about the unique aspect of the plant.
■ You Will Learn About…
・About Cosmos
・This is Cherry Blossoms in Autumn
・What is Unique
Brief About Cosmos
Cosmos, belonging to the daisy family, are popular worldwide due to their easy-to-grow nature and charming appearance. Native to Mexico and symbolising peace and harmony, these flowers thrive in Japan’s mild autumn climate.
With various colours and petal shapes, cosmos flowers symbolise love, peace, and beauty. These flowers are known for their resilience, thriving even in poor soil, and are often planted in large fields or gardens. They create colourful seas that captivate anyone who passes by. The lightweight petals and delicate stems sway elegantly in the breeze, adding life to Autumn Landscapes.
Cultural Significance
In Japan, cosmos flowers hold deep cultural significance. Their blooming period aligns with early autumn, marking a seasonal shift and cooling weather. Japanese cosmos fields, stretching across countryside parks and mountain areas, invite people to appreciate the serene beauty of nature.
The Reason of “Autumn Cherry Blossoms”
Cosmos flowers are often described as the “Cherry Blossoms of Autumn.” This is because their petals resemble those of sakura blossoms. Additionally, their regular, harmonious petal arrangement inspired this name.
In kanji, people refer to cosmos flowers as “秋桜” (autumn cherry blossoms). Japanese singer Momoe Yamaguchi popularized this name in her 1977 hit song. The lyrics include the word “koharubiyori (小春日和),” which describes warm, calm days from late autumn to early winter. This term describes a mild, sunny day in late autumn when, just before winter’s chill arrives, the weather feels like a brief return of spring.
The Beauty of Impermanence
Cosmos flowers embody the Beauty of Impermanence, a concept deeply rooted in Buddhist philosophy like Lotus Flowers and also reflected in traditions like hanami (flower viewing). Their gentle, short-lived blossoms echo themes of mono no aware — the awareness of life’s fleeting beauty.
Like cherry blossoms in spring, cosmos flowers mark a transition, appearing as summer wanes and autumn arrives. They’re appreciated for the calm they bring and are celebrated in festivals, linking nature’s cycles to cultural values of harmony, mindfulness, and appreciation for transitory beauty.
What is Unique
Vibrant Colours
What makes cosmos flowers unique is their combination of vibrant colours, feathery leaves, and gentle swaying motion, which together create a tranquil, almost dreamlike atmosphere. Their ability to bloom in varying shades and adapt to different climates has allowed them to thrive worldwide.
In Japan, cosmos flowers bloom just as summer’s intensity fades, offering a calming presence in nature. Their dainty, lightweight petals, contrasting with hardy stems, make them both resilient and elegantly delicate.
Easy to Grow
Cosmos flowers are known for their ease of growth, thriving in various soil types, even those low in nutrients, and requiring minimal maintenance. With simple care, they flourish in sunny areas, needing just occasional watering once established, making them ideal for beginners.
These resilient flowers can withstand a range of weather conditions, although they do prefer cooler climates over extreme heat. Their quick growth and ability to reseed naturally create a colourful display year after year with minimal effort.
Conclusion
Cosmos flowers are cherished symbols of autumn in Japan, celebrated for their peaceful presence and enduring beauty. Their gentle colours, widespread fields, and connection to seasonal change remind us of nature’s cycles and the tranquility of fleeting moments.
Even though their splendid ability against the weather, the intense heat of this year gave them serious damage. I heard that some are withered without blooming. In times like this, those brave blooming gave us the impression that It is Important to Cherish Daily Life.
