Each month, maiko change the style of their hana-kanzashi to match the seasons or celebrations.
January
The January kanzashi changes from year to year. This one has an ume pattern.
Februrary
February kanzashi are either plum blossom (above), or daffodil. These symbolize the approach of spring.
March
The rape blossoms and butterflies are the choice for March. These symbolize spring, as well.
April
Butterflies and cherry blossoms decorate the April kanzashi. April is the season for viewing cherry blossoms and the butterflies anticipate early summer.
May
Purple Irises and wisteria are worn in May.
June
June kanzashi can either be hydrangea or willow and pink flowers(above).
July
Round fans called uchiwa are the choice for July, but maiko will also use a special kanzashi for the Gion Festival which change every year.
August
Morning glory and Eulalia (pampas grass, above) are used for August. Older maiko wear silver eulalia while younger maiko wear pink.
September
Chinese bellflower is the choice for September. The dark purple represents the cool of autumn.
October
October kanzashi are decorated with chrysanthemums, a well loved flower in Japan.
November
Maple leaves are worn in November to represent the fall. Autumn leaf viewing is as popular as cherry blossom viewing.
December
The two small tags are called maneki and are used by the maiko to collect the signatures of her two favorite kabuki actors. The December kanzashi also caries (artificial) small white flowers called mochibana which represent the practice of decorating a tree with rice cakes (meant to look like white flowers).
New Year
This kanzashi is worn especially for the new year. It consists of a stem of grain and a tiny dove.
© Sofia Patterson Karyukai