Maiko Trivia: Maiko Floral Hair Ornaments (Hana Kanzashi)
Today we would like to introduce an interesting piece of maiko trivia: the floral hair ornaments worn by maiko, known as hana kanzashi.
When you try a maiko makeover experience, we recommend wearing seasonal hana kanzashi to fully enjoy the beauty of Kyoto’s four seasons. Since you have come all the way to Kyoto, why not capture your charming maiko look together with the picturesque scenery of Arashiyama?
You can also enjoy a photoshoot in a traditional tatami studio while wearing a kanzashi featuring the flower of your birth month or your favorite flower. It’s a wonderful way to truly experience the feeling of becoming a maiko.
Beautiful Seasonal Hana Kanzashi
January – Pine, Bamboo, Plum, and Crane
These are auspicious motifs associated with the New Year. A unique feature of this time of year is the rice ear and white dove kanzashi.
The rice ear symbolizes prayers for a good harvest, and real rice stalks are used in the ornament from January 1st to around January 15th, during the New Year period known as Matsu-no-uchi. Maiko place this ornament on the right side of their hair, while geiko place it on the left. The rice ear represents humility, inspired by the saying “the more the rice ripens, the more it bows its head,” reminding maiko to remain humble as they grow and develop in their art. It is also said that maiko give three grains of rice from the stalk to their patrons as a charm for good fortune and prosperity.
A small white dove sits gently on top of the rice ear. Interestingly, the dove initially has no eyes drawn on it. According to tradition, if someone you like draws the eyes on the dove, your wish may come true or you may be united with the person you love. It is a very romantic custom.
February – Plum Blossoms
These flowers are charming with their bright red color and round shape.
March – Rapeseed Blossoms, Daffodils, and Peonies
These flowers evoke the arrival of spring. The bright yellow rapeseed blossoms especially highlight the youthful innocence of maiko.
April – Cherry Blossoms
Delicate, pale, and elegant, cherry blossoms create a joyful and festive feeling. The kanzashi often look as if you are surrounded by blooming sakura.
May – Iris and Wisteria
These refreshing purple flowers evoke the feeling of early summer.
June – Hydrangea and Willow
Kanzashi in shades of blue and green beautifully reflect the atmosphere of summer.
July – Fans and Bonten
Kanzashi shaped like Gion fans give a cool and refreshing impression.
Another ornament seen during the Gion Festival is the silver bonten decoration. At its center is a pink carnation flower motif, though some are red. Younger maiko before their collar-changing ceremony sometimes wear softer colors such as light blue.
August – Morning Glory and Pampas Grass
Morning glories are a symbol of summer. Pampas grass may make people think of yellow or brown, but when used in hana kanzashi it appears as a beautiful silvery white.
September – Bellflower (Kikyo)
The elegant bellflower creates a more mature and refined atmosphere, giving maiko—who are often admired for their youthful charm—a slightly more grown-up appearance.
October – Chrysanthemum
These flowers are very striking with their brilliant colors.
November – Autumn Leaves and Ginkgo
These kanzashi feature leaf motifs that perfectly match the autumn foliage season.
December – Maneki and Mochi Flowers
In December, the famous Kaomise Kabuki performances take place at Minamiza Theater. The signboards displaying the actors’ names for these performances are called maneki. The maneki-style kanzashi start out pure white, but during a special event called Hanamachi Sōmi, maiko visit their favorite actors’ dressing rooms and have their names written on the ornament.
What did you think?
We hope you find your favorite hana kanzashi and enjoy seeing real maiko or experiencing a maiko transformation even more.
