Slaves Of Chrysanthemums

Posted byJonelle PatrickPosted inAwesome Stuff To Do, Seasonal GoodnessTags:, , , , ,
ChrysanthemumWarriors

Chrysanthemum growers,

You are the slaves

Of chrysanthemums.

I must admit I didn’t fully understand Basho’s haiku until I saw these astonishing examples of chrysanthemum husbandry at the Yushima Tenjin Shrine last weekend…

Yes, this is ONE plant!
ChrysanthemumElvis
This style always makes me think of the Yoyogi Park rockabillies’ hair!
ChrysanthemumsSpider
All the specimens have to bloom at exactly the right time. How do they do that?
ChrysanthemumsWhite
And how did they grow these, so they were the exact same size and height at exactly the right time? Even the leaves are perfect!

If you’d like to visit the Yushima Shrine the next time you’re in Tokyo, visit my website, The Tokyo Guide I Wish I’d Had.

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Would you like to be whisked away to Japan, wherever you are?

It’s the year 1784 and the shōgun rules with an iron fist . . . except within the walled pleasure quarter of Yoshiwara. Inside the Great Gate, samurai law does not apply, and it’s women who pull the strings

“The Samurai’s Octopus…is a truly remarkable book, one that surprised and charmed me at every turn of the page. You’re in for a treat.”
—James Ziskin, Anthony, Barry, and Macavity Award-winning author of the Ellie Stone mysteries

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Jonelle Patrick writes novels set in Japan, produces the monthly e-magazine Japanagram, and blogs at Only In Japan and The Tokyo Guide I Wish I’d Had

Published by Jonelle Patrick

Author of The Last Tea Bowl Thief

2 thoughts on “Slaves Of Chrysanthemums”

    1. You’re right! And in haiku, too. Actually one of my very favorites is:

      Before the white chrysanthemum
      The scissors hesitate,
      A moment.

      I always think of the ones at the Meiji Shrine when I read it.

      Reply

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