[Today’s Japanese word “Hana-Ikada”]

Today’s Japanese word is “Hana-Ikada” (floral raft).

Do you know the word of “Hana-ikada”?

“Hana-ikada” is a petal floating on the surface of the water, or the name of the plant.

This time, we will introduce the “petals” version.
As for “Hana-ikada” scattered cherry blossom petals float on the surface of the water, and it looks like the states that it ranges and flows, “Branches of the flower and adding it to rafts”, or “Flower petals are falling in raft”.
Anyway, it is a beautiful scenery.

It isn’t certain from when this word was used.
However, “Kanginshu” (“Kanginshu” is a collection of Japanese poems and ballads.) of the Muromachi era had poetry using “Hana-Ikada”.
In addition, “Makie” (lacquer work) in Azuchi-Momoyama Era has “Hana-ikada Makie” (lacquer work of petals floating in a river). This “Makie” (lacquer work) was drawn a cherry blossoms flowing through the river.

“Hirosaki-Jyo Castle” in Aomori Prefecture is a famous place for “Hana-ikada”. In full bloom time, it is filled with pink petals all over the moat of Hirosaki-Jyo Castle.
It is very fantastic!

If you find a petal floating in water, please try using the word “Hana-ikada”.
It is wonderful.