(), or less commonly hydrangea () flowers. This month is the rainy season in Japan, and therefore willow (a water-loving tree) and blue hydrangeas are appropriate. July – featuring a display of fans (usually round fans, but occasionally folding fans) are featured. The fans refer to the Gion Festival which takes place at this time. The motifs featured on a 's fan vary each year, in line with the festival. There are common themes such as dragonflies and lines denoting swirling water. Other worn during July are fireworks and dewdrops on grass (). August – Large morning glory () or grass. The grass appears as a starburst of spines made of silvered paper. Senior wear white-backed silver petals and junior wear pink-backed silver petals. September – Japanese bellflower (). The purple tones are traditionally associated with autumn. Often these will be mixed with bush clover. October – Chrysanthemum (). These are well loved in Japan and are a symbol of the Imperial Family. Senior will wear one large flower while junior will wear a cluster of small flowers. Typical colours include pink, white, red, yellow, and purple. November – Trailing autumnal leaves that are usually composed of the very popular Japanese maple. Maple viewing is the autumnal equivalent of cherry blossom viewing in Japan. Ginkgo and liquidambar leaves are also seen. December – The Japanese make at this time of year, and often decorate trees with them to represent white flowers. It is thought to be good luck to wear featuring , or rice-cake flowers. December also feature two , name plates used by kabuki actors, which are initially blank. Traditionally, visit the Minamiza Theatre and ask two of their favourite kabuki actors to autograph them with their kabuki nom de plume. for senior feature green bamboo leaves while junior have a colourful assortment of lucky charms. New Year – At this time of year all and geisha wear un-husked ears of rice in their hairstyles ( wear it on the right while geisha wear it on the left). These also feature eyeless white doves. The and geisha fill in one eye and ask somebody they like to draw the other for good luck in the coming year. See also Chinese hairpin Comb Hair stick Hairpin – Chinese combs References External links The kanzashi atelier of Kuniko Kanawa, сertified Edo Tsumami Kanzashi artisan Hairstyles of Kyoto Maiko, from Immortal Geisha