Fall flowers: Cosmos

Cosmos is a flower of the Asteraceae family, genus Cosmos, and blooms in autumn in shades of pink, purple, white, orange and red. The flower is native to tropical America. Supposedly it was brought to Spain from Mexico, where it was sent to Madrid's Royal Botanical Garden and named ``Cosmos.'' It is believed that cosmos came to Japan around 1887 (Meiji period). 

Cosmos flowers are really popular in Japan. They are sometimes called "Autumn cherry blossoms". Seen as there are actually 'Autumn cherry blossoms' too, I always wondered why they gave cosmos that nickname. It turns out a popular song from the seventies is responsible. The song was called "Cosmos", but the title in Japanese Kanji (Chinese characters) was written "autumn cherry blossoms". They do look a bit like cherry blossoms though, especially the light pink ones. The language of cosmos flowers is "love," "girl's innocence," "sincerity," and "harmony." 

Tomorrow and September 14th annually is "Cosmos (flower) Day" コスモスの日. Reportedly, it was designated this date as its six months after White Day (March 14th annually). And because there are usually cosmos flowers in bloom on this date. Although, October really is when you can see cosmos flowers in abundance in the Kanto plain. The featured photo was taken on October 27th last year in Saitama City. However, 'sulphur cosmos' do bloom in September. 

Have you seen any cosmos flowers yet this year?