Chrysanthemum Festival

How are you doing?

The " Six kinds of incense " are fragrances that represent the Heian period. One of these fragrances that is not mentioned in the Tale of Genji is the " chrysanthemum flower ."

Today, September 9th The Choyo Festival is one of the five seasonal festivals in Japan . It is also known as the Chrysanthemum Festival.

In China, odd numbers are called yang numbers and are considered auspicious. In particular, September 9th, which has multiple "9s," the largest yang number, is called "Chōyō" and is one of the festival days. September 9th on the lunar calendar corresponds to mid-October today, and is a time to admire chrysanthemum flowers. Chrysanthemums are believed to ward off evil spirits and promote longevity, Chrysanthemums are used in the Double Ninth Festival , and people decorate with chrysanthemum flowers and drink sake with chrysanthemum petals floating in it to pray for long life and good health.

The Choyo Festival was introduced to Japan from China at the beginning of the Heian period, and spread among the Heian aristocracy as a festival to inform them of the change of seasons. It is said that a banquet to view chrysanthemums was held as one of the imperial court events, and chrysanthemums were used to ward off evil spirits. It spread among the common people, It became a popular event as one of the five seasonal festivals. It is not so widely celebrated these days.

Although we have never celebrated the Double Ninth Festival, my father grew chrysanthemums as a hobby to exhibit at awards, so it was the time of year when chrysanthemums began to bloom in our garden and we could smell their fragrance. It is unclear whether incense "chrysanthemum flowers" was used at this banquet in the Heian period, but it may be interesting to experience the olfactory sensibility of the Heian people who imagined the scent of chrysanthemums on this day.

KIKKA

[Trial size] KIKKA​

[Refill Pack] KIKKA​

Have a Scentful Day!