She clings with grace, not need.
She blooms, then let’s go.
A whisper of love.
A lesson in release.
Let nature teach you how to love
…and how to let go.
~Anonymous
When I see the blossoms of the wisteria, I sense that Spring is here. It is amazing that within a
few warm days the wisteria flowers are blooming. Some of the wisteria’s pods are still twisting and
popping out their seeds. I have been hit several times by the flying seeds. Along with the wisteria, the
cherry tree is well on its way to blooming. There are definitely signs of Spring everywhere, if we look
around.
The wisteria or Zinteng (purple vine) has been grown in China since the 5th Century. It was in a tea
merchant’s garden when the source of interest caught the eye of the British. In 1816, Captain Weller,
a British merchant brought the first Ziteng to Britain. It would be a botanist, Thomas Nuttall that would
officially name this tree or vine, the wisteria. It was given this name in honor of the botanist’s good
friend, Dr. Casper Wister.
Culturally, the wisteria has many symbolic meanings. This tree or vine represents the final elegant
stage of Spring. It symbolizes longevity, wisdom, romance and immortality. The Japanese view
wisteria (Fuji) as eternal life. While in Korea, the wisteria represents affection that lasts after death.
The wisteria is also a symbol of wisdom and honor. It shows resiliency, for the growth of the
wisteria can endure centuries. They are strong and can thrive. The intertwining branches symbolizes
family bond, long-lasting friendship and loyalty. The Victorian viewed the intertwining branches as
“holding on to a loved one”.
The color of the wisteria also has its meaning. The purple/lavender color represents nobility and
adoration. This color is associated with higher ranking individuals. The white wisteria is seen as purity
and new beginnings. This color is associated with tenderness, nostalgia and calm. The pink wisteria
represents gentle affection, romance and loving welcome. Because of its rarity, the pink wisteria
carries a magical, elegant aesthetic. The blue wisteria represents tranquility, peace, and serenity. It is
associated with a deeper emotion element, which include longing or lost love.
The purple wisteria is the official crest (Mon, Jpn) of the Jodo Shinshu Hongwanji-ha school of
Buddhism. This is our mother temple in Kyoto, Japan. Many Jodo Shinshu temples/churches would
have a crest hanging in their temple. It is a crest of two stems of blossoms hanging downward, with
two vines in the middle. The wisteria forms a circle representing a welcoming heart and mind and the
beauty of a life of humility. The drooping hanging flowers is our bow of respect to Amida Buddha. It is
the idea of humility, and sincere aspiration to Buddha. The flowers are our reminder of the principle of
impermanence. We live within a constant, natural change of life.
Who would have thought that the wisteria could have so much meaning and associations? We
see the beauty of the blossoms, its fragrance and color yet, we do not see beyond that. it is when we
attain a little wisdom, we see the wisteria with new eyes and a renewed appreciation. It is
Nembutsu/Namu Amida Butsu that we share our thankfulness, gratitude and appreciation for the
teachings of seeing the beauty around us and its teachings that bring our hearts and minds back to
the Buddha Dharma.
Gassho
Rev. Seijo Naomi Nakano
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