Gosekku

What is Gosekku?

Gosekku are five seasonal festivals that were once major events at the Japanese imperial court. Each festival marked a different time of year and involved special rituals, such as poetry, offerings, and the use of symbolic plants like iris, chrysanthemum, and mugwort. Some involved processions, floating cups of wine, or hanging greenery to ward off evil. Today, several of these festivals continue in adapted forms among the public.

Where does Gosekku come from?

The Gosekku festivals began in Japan during the Nara period in the 8th century, drawing on both native and Chinese traditions. Over time, these ceremonies became a regular part of court life, blending local customs with imported practices. The festivals spread beyond the court and became part of Japanese cultural tradition. Although their official role at court ended with the Meiji era, their influence remains in modern festivals.

How Gosekku is made

Each Gosekku festival had its own rituals. For example, during Kyokusui, courtiers would float cups of rice wine down a stream and compose poetry. On Ayame no hi, mugwort was hung for protection, and iris flowers were celebrated. Kikkoden involved offerings during Tanabata, and Chōyō no en featured chrysanthemum wine. These customs often used seasonal plants and symbolic gestures.

When and where Gosekku is used

Originally, the Gosekku were court ceremonies, but over time, they became part of public life. Today, Hinamatsuri (Girls' Day), Tango no sekku (Boys' Day), Tanabata, and Kiku no sekku (Chrysanthemum Festival) are celebrated by people across Japan. The festivals are marked by displays of flowers, traditional foods, and rituals for health, protection, and good fortune.

Forms of Gosekku

The five Gosekku festivals are: Jinjitsu (New Year's), Kyokusui (third day of the third month), Ayame no hi (fifth day of the fifth month), Kikkoden (seventh day of the seventh month), and Chōyō no en (ninth day of the ninth month). Some, like Hinamatsuri and Tanabata, have become major public festivals, while others are less widely observed.

What Gosekku means

Gosekku festivals are closely tied to Japanese seasonal change and symbolism. Flowers like iris and chrysanthemum play important roles, representing protection and longevity. The festivals also feature in art, such as Ikeda Koson's scrolls. Though their courtly origins have faded, their influence continues in Japanese seasonal celebrations and customs.

The flowers of Gosekku

ChrysanthemumAutumn-blooming flower with thousands of varieties, cherished in East Asia and beyondChrysanthemum japonenseA white-flowered perennial daisy native to coastal Shikoku, JapanIndian chrysanthemumA yellow or white-flowered chrysanthemum native to ChinaFlorist's daisyThe many-petalled autumn bloom of gardens and floral showsJapanese irisA tall, rhizomatous iris with bluish-purple flowers and yellow-marked fallsJapanese irisA water-loving Japanese iris with violet-blue blooms and historic garden ties

Questions people ask about Gosekku

Good reading and sources

• Gosekku on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
• Wikidata recordOpen data