The Tale of Genji and Plum Blossoms
How are you doing?
Previously, we learned about the " Rokushu no kokubutsu ," the fragrance that represents the Heian period.
This time, we'll be sharing some fun facts about one of them, plum blossoms.
Plum blossoms appear in the 32nd chapter of the Tale of Genji, "Umegae."
This is the story of Rokujo-in's incense mixing ceremony, one of the stories in "Plum Branch." In preparation for the marriage of Princess Akashi, Hikaru Genji's only daughter , to the Crown Prince, he asks four of Genji's ladies, Lady Murasaki, Lady Asagao , Lady Hanasachi, and Lady Akashi, to mix incense for the princess to bring with her .
For Heian aristocrats who did not have the custom of bathing, the smell of incense (komono) was a part of their grooming. They honed their ability to distinguish between different scents, and paid special attention to blending scents that would express their individuality and culture. This is what we would call today a signature scent (personal scent branding).
The one who mixed the plum blossoms was her foster mother, Murasaki no Ue. Asagao no Kimi mixed the black flowers, Hanasachi no Kimi mixed the lotus leaves, and her real mother, Akashi no Kimi mixed the fragrant clothes incense .
The plum blossom ceremony is said to have taken place around February 10th today, which is the birthday of my mother, who first introduced me to incense. For some reason, this chapter in The Tale of Genji, which features a mother (or a mother figure) who loves her daughter, feels connected to 1,000 years ago.
Now, Umehana is a gorgeous fragrance that evokes the image of plum blossoms, giving you a feeling of spring.
During the Heian period, it was a rule that plum blossom incense paste could only be used in the spring. It may be a very tasteful pleasure to burn plum blossom incense indoors while enjoying the color and fragrance of plum blossoms.
BAIKA | When you hear the scent of plum blossoms, why not imagine the ladies of Genji compounding incense for the Princess of Akashi who was to marry them?
Have a Scentful Day!
[Full size] BAIKA | Incense cone
