Momiji (Japanese maple leaves)
The brilliant colors of autumn welcome visitors to the Szeged University Botanical Garden, where visitors are expected on Saturday for the traditional Japanese festival, Momiji.
Momiji is when the mountain god paints the leaves red. At this time, the Japanese like to visit the most picturesque places. The Japanese maples in the Japanese garden of the Szeged Botanical Garden (southern Hungary) also take on amazing colors in the fall. The leaves begin to shine in countless shades of red and yellow in early October, and by mid-November, they cover the entire landscape in fabulous colors.
The Japanese maple (Acer palmatum) is one of the defining plant species of the Japanese garden and, along with other species, is most commonly referred to as the Japanese maple.
It is a very popular ornamental plant due to its unique appearance. Some varieties of this tree are often grown as bonsai. There are many varieties, including light yellow, pale green, burgundy-edged, and completely dark burgundy leaves. It gets its name “fingered” from its palm-shaped compound leaves; the 4-12 cm long leaves can have five, seven, or nine fingers. Their color can change depending on the season and variety; the green leaves in summer often turn burgundy in the fall. The colorful foliage varieties contrast sharply with green trees.
Fact
Momiji refers to Japanese maple leaves that turn vibrant red (and sometimes orange or yellow) in autumn, symbolizing the beauty of Japan’s fall season. The word momiji actually comes from the old Japanese verb “momizu, ”a term no longer in use, which means “(a leaf) changes color in autumn.” The Japanese word momiji consists of two kanji characters: 紅 and 葉. The first, 紅, means “red” or “crimson” and carries a nuance of deep, vivid color, often associated with dyes, autumn leaves, or anything strikingly red.
However, in Japanese culture, this beautiful tree is not only an ornamental plant, but also a symbol with a deeper meaning, reflecting silence, peace, and harmony and respect between nature and man. It is a popular tree in Japanese gardens and temple courtyards, and is also a frequent motif in traditional artworks.
On Saturday, we would like to bring the traditional Japanese festival of momiji closer to visitors in the botanical garden by showing them the plants and culture. Tamás Gál, curator of the collection, will guide guests on walks through the Japanese garden at several times throughout the day.
In the Mediterranean greenhouse, lectures will be given on the traditions of the Japanese autumn festival, including samurai culture and the characteristic Japanese bamboo flute, the sakuhachi, which Virág Bartucz will also play at her concert. There will be a bonsai exhibition next to the lotus pond, and in the main building, visitors can learn about Japanese calligraphy and origami. In the afternoon, guests can hear about Japanese tea making, and at sunset, the program will conclude with a light juggling performance in the spirit of Momiji.
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Via MTI; Featured image: Pixabay
