Earth laughs in cosmos flowers at Ikaruga

The Three-Storied Pagoda (National Treasure), the only original remaining structure of Hoki-ji, from the 8th century

About twenty minutes’ drive from my home takes me to Hoki-ji Temple in Ikaruga.

Ikaruga has been a focal point of Japanese Buddhism since its entry to Japan in the 6th century.

On a sunny, crisp mid-October last year, I went to see cosmos flowers in mass 
around the Three-Storied Pagoda of Hoki-ji Temple. 

Farmers have utilized their fallow fields for cosmos for the tourists

 who stroll around the town of Ikaruga.

I borrowed the popular quote “Earth laughs in flowers.” by Ralph Waldo Emerson to this post.

 When I learned the full lines of the poem later, the message sounded serious
and different from the simply happy, peaceful image of the one-sentence-quote.
(Hamatreya)

Japanese word '自然 (shizen, or jinen in ancient times)' is translated to 'Nature' in English, 

but the connotation  is different in a strict sense.

 "The basic, etymological meaning of the Japanese 'shizen/jinen' is
 'the power of  spontaneous self-development and what results from the power'. 

It is rather a mode of being than a natural order. "
We humans are not opposed or superior to the nature but part of it.

We enjoyed being there immersed in cosmoses in all the directions.

This year at the end of October, I went there again with the same family members .

 Shades of pink cosmos were swaying in breeze like last year 

though it was a hot day with summer clouds unlike last year. 

The little boy has grown to be more confident and independent physically and emotionally.

The lovely pink or red cosmos flower reminds me of a little girl dressed in kimono
 for Shichi-Go-San, which literally means "Seven-Five-Three." 

It is a traditional ritual and celebration of passage of life in Japan 
for three and seven-year-old girls and three and five-year-old boys.

It is held annually on November 15. 
As it is not a national holiday, it is generally observed on the near weekend.

My son celebrated her second daughter Y in late October 
before the winter chills of November.

It’s a hard and busy day for the little children to get dressed in kimono, dress, or suits and tie, 
be photographed, walk to the shrine to have a rite, and have dinner at the restaurant. 

The photo below was taken at my son’s favorite photo studio,
where five-year-old F accompanied her younger sister.
I’m amazed with the cameraman who always capture the moment
when all people are smiling naturally no matter how many the people are.

The three-year-old boy Y also had his Shichi-Go-San commemorative photos taken already
and will visit shrine soon in November.  

Recently the studios that capture natural expression of children have gotten popular. 

Unposed expressions and gestures are captured in many different combinations.

Children are not only ours but also Earth's.
Children will grow to bloom nurtured by Earth.
Wish all the children of the world their healthy growth and bright future.

Linked to Friday Photo Journal