Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-02-02
INFLUENCE OF FLOWERS.
Blossoms Are Companions Of the
Dainty Women Of Japan.

From the New York Herald.
The Japanese woman is the most appeal
ing human being in the world, for ones
sympathies are always quickened for those
whose physical presence suggests light
ness, deftness,- grace and airiness. Such
qualities Seem to spell something other
than mere duty, no matter how good a
foundation stone for the other virtues that
may be. The followers Of the Goddess of
Duty bear the visible facial marks. Lack
Ing such traces, one sees that there is
some other softening influence at work
something that keeps the mind exercised
and healthy. which takes the place Of the
social habits, comradeShip, lovers and all
that fill the European and American wo-
mans leisure moments and dreams, with
out which life would be but time-servlr &.
Here in the land of the rising sun" wo-
mans dream Of man Is not ideal, and there
is no expectant joy in the thought of meet
ing some day hero invested with a thou
sand virtues, or even one possessing an
adorable pet crime. The Japanese woman
accepts without remark that men are born
lilies. and sixteen-year-old Girl submits
to duty and is willing to be the faithful
wife OF Tomoto, Dickoto or Harryoto when
ever her parents request 1t.
The emotional depths in her nature re-
main untouched; the contemplation Of the
sacrament Of matrimony does not make the
pulse bound one iota more quickly, Love
in her Is" otherwise she were not woman;
but 1t Is not dreamed Of In such connection,
and must be expended in another direction.
The girl child, kept under restraint and
repression, subject to the will and within of
her elders and superiors. would seem to &C
quire no individuality. One might remark,
See one Japanese woman, and from her
write the history Of all japanese women"
But there is always something more than
cold facts.
With a better acquaintance and under
standing the pretty truth 'dawns that there
ner life, to keep beautiful and fragrant and
Joyful the dreams Of maidenkood. 1t Is
more than pretty thought Natures sof-
tenlng influences operate in this land Of
beauty in an ideally practical manner.
The gods sent the beautiful flowers of
thy, but to bring companionship and to
satisfy. 1t Is the flowers and blossoms
leaves, buds, twfgs and branches that are
to the women of Japan the men Of higher
stature" as books are to the book lover
when congenial companions are not dis
coverable. Flowers are the living and
growing things that the imaglnings of
these little women lean on as on a crutc h-
something real and satisfactory. For no.
where in the world are flowers and flower
arrangement given serious consideration
and love as they are in this eastern coun-
try. I'VE are like what we love- II has
been said; and without any scientific rea-
soning, without invoking any system Of
mnemonics to the association Of ideas, the
practical western mind even that knows
anything of that nation Immediately
couples the words women and flowers
of Japan. Certainly poets have ever done
so when speaking or singing the charms Of
their lady loves; but here even the disir-
womans face in their minds surrounded
with frame of plum or cherry METALS