n°05 · The Maple

The Japanese Maple is an ancient tree, which symbolizes independence, freedom, reserve, and a sense of observation. Indeed, this tree flowers after the others, and the fall of its flowers occurs at its own pace. In The Book of Flowers, Georges Ohsawa tells us that "Each popular festival is at the same time a flower festival. In October it is the festival of red maples that we will contemplate in groups even in the mountains of surroundings of Tokyo and of which we never tire of admiring the contrast with the dark green of the fir trees and the blue of the sky, which is always dark at this season."