梅： Plum Blossom, a winter flower or a spring flower?





Plum blossom at Yasaka Shrine, Kyoto on March 2nd 2014



In about a months time Kyoto will turn pink as the ubiquitous cherry blossoms bloom. People from all over Japan and the world will come to see them. Of course they are beautiful and I too love them. But now the equally beautiful plum blossom is blooming. There are harder to find, but well worth the effort. There are both dark pink and white varieties., and sometimes if you are lucky you can find red ones.

Plum blossom is the national flower of Taiwan, and has a deep spiritual and symbolic meaning in both Japan and China. Typically, the Japanese symbolism and Chinese symbolism are different. For Japanese people, the plum blossom represents the beginning of spring, the coming warmth and peace. Because they can bloom even with snow on their branches, the Chinese see them as a winter flower, symbolising strength and resilience.  In Mah Jong it  is a guardian representing innocence, inexperience and happiness. In this regard it puts me in mind of The Fool in the Tarot.

For me these little flowers on the cusp of winter and spring, are a celebration of winter and a promise of spring. Searching for, photographing and writing about the plum blossom today has been both a relaxing and energising experience. The plum blossom and new moon weaving a special magick.

Plum blossom at Nanzen temple, Kyoto on March second 2014