Shobu (or shoubu),
is the Japanese Iris, a flower associated with the Japanese festival commonly known as Kodomo-no-hi or Children's Day (May 5). In spite of the name, the festival mainly celebrates "boyhood," the way Hina-matsuri or Doll Day (March 3) celebrates "girlhood." Along with the koi-nobori (carp windsocks) that I have blogged about many times in the past, the Japanese Iris is one of several things displayed on Children's Day that symbolize the traditional "manly virtues" that parents hope their young sons will develop as they grow up to be men. The shape of the narrow leaves of this plant are reminiscent of the Japanese sword carried by the ancient warrior class, and the word Shobu has the same sound as another word that bears the meaning of bravely facing a challenge, or testing oneself in battle.
 |
| Challenge-themed quotes from 1 Thessalonians 5:8 (left) and 1 Corinthians 9:24 (right) |
Posts
These are amazingly beautiful Debbie. I think you have a special talent for this flower. Just love it!!!
ReplyDeleteWow! I love reading about things like this. I love the iris and for it to be used as a symbol for such reason is fascinating. I have heard of the carp windsocks before from Bella Sinclair when she lived in Japan. So fascinating. Thank you for sharing and the illustration is superb. The line work on the second image is FANTASTIC!!! WOW!
ReplyDeleteRavishing colours, Van Gogh would be proud of these!
ReplyDeleteSigh.....beautiful....
ReplyDeleteOoh! I really like that your inkan in English is DD and in Japanese it's で! It's those little details that make you a pro!
ReplyDeleteLovely! Iris has always been one of my favorite flowers. Love your tadpole too :)
ReplyDeletebeautiful painting! The irises are so lovely and interesting symbolism too.
ReplyDeletegreat points altogether, you simply won a logo new reader.
ReplyDeleteWhat may you recommend in regards to your put up that you just
made some days in the past? Any positive?
Here is my website :: renovating homes