Autumn walk through cosmoses

Cosmos is one of the typical and the most loved autumn flowers in Japan.   They might be thought to have been blooming since the ancient times because they are too often seen here and there, but in fact they are native to the meadow areas of Mexico.  They were imported into Japan via Spain around 1887.

In Japan, cosmos means Cosmos Bipinnatus Cav., which comes in pink, rose, red, and white. It is written 秋桜 meaning autumn cherry pink.

In spite of their wispy texture and elegance, they are prolific and as strong as weeds.  Climate of Japan would be suitable for cosmos. 

Cosmos are seen throughout the country, along the roadside or riverside, in the fields, in the gardens, either wild or cultivated.   Not only flowers but also feathery foliage is lovely.

This place is Yagyu Village on the outskirts of Nara City.   Yagyu Iris Garden  is about 10 minutes' drive from here. Yagyu has been a heart of Japanese swordsmanship, Yagyu Shinkage-ryu school.  

Though it was Sports Day today, a national holiday, people were sparse except some people who stopped their cars or bikes.  My husband and I could almost monopolize these scenery.

Cosmoses are swaying in autumn breeze overlooking the village.

Cosmoses are blooming along the brooks, on the paths between the fields or the paddies, which makes pastel pink borders.

Cosmic beauty?

Why is this flower called cosmos?    "Spanish priests grew cosmos in their mission gardens in Mexico. The evenly placed petals led them to christen the flower "Kosmos," the Greek word for harmony or ordered universe."