I usually steer clear of shrines dedicated to this or that deity, saint, martyr, visionary, mystic vision, bloody event or miracle. Shrines aren’t really a new idea, as they’ve been around since humans made pictures on caves and fashioned a hoe. But an azalea festival at a shrine, that’s worth a stop!
If you’re fortunate to be in Tokyo in the spring, head over to the Nezu Shrine to revel in the glory of 3,000 azaleas in full bloom. It’s like the Keukenhof Gardens in the Netherlands; however, the effect isn’t achieved with massed tulips, but with varieties of Japanese azaleas.
A world floral event
The Azalea Festival at Nezu is truly a world floral event, taking place at a Shinto shrine established in 1705 and rebuilt in 1706. It’s considered an important national cultural site. In Japan, Shinto shrines are characterized by a torii gate at the entrance, which marks the transition from the mundane to the sacred. Literally, the meaning of torii in Japanese is “bird abode,” which reminds me of the useful function of outdoor structures.
After passing through the main red torii gate, flanked by lanterns, I arrived at a path of vermilion torii cutting through the hillside on the left side of the main hall. In the middle of the path, I lingered at a viewing platform over a pond de koi fish, but I wasn’t here to visit the brightly painted and gilded hall or the koi.
I have no idea why Nezu has 3,000 azaleas of 100 different species, including a rare black variety, but I like to think that some horticultural genius quietly began collecting them, adding more and more each year. Then one April, there were thousands. Everyone was stunned and delighted.
Azaleas and symbolism
Azaleas prefer partial sun with at least some afternoon shade. They will bloom heavily in the spring, and reblooming varieties will push out two to three sets of blooms throughout the year. Azaleas symbolize many things in different countries, including abundance, temperance and love. It’s said that giving someone an azalea symbolizes giving them happiness!
If only the world’s religions would take the hint: grow stunning flowers and majestic trees, radiate kindness and acceptance, that’s all we need. The world would be a far, far better place.
«LECTURA RELACIONADA» THE MARVELS OF MOSS: The epitome of Japanese wabi-sabi»
imagen: tamaroh
