Photo/Illutration Hydrangea (Asahi Shimbun file photo)

I understand “ajisai” (hydrangea) is called “suguku” in neighboring South Korea. Rendered into kanji, the word is written in two characters that stand for “water” and “chrysanthemum.”

This makes sense to me. Amply hydrated by rain and heavily blooming, the hydrangea is perfect for this “tsuyu” rainy season. In fact, the English name derives from the Greek words for “water” and “jar.”

But even these rain-friendly flowers may have grown thoroughly fed up with the intensive downpours caused by so-called linear rainbands in recent years. I just can’t help feeling sorry for them when I see the blue blossoms shaking and taking a sudden pounding from torrential rains.

I believe hydrangeas look best in a drizzle.

Over the last few days, they may have felt relieved by the sun, which showed itself during a spell of nice weather amid the rainy season. Or could they be worn out already, scorched by the sun, which is overly intense for June?

In another neighboring nation, China, the hydrangea is called “xiu qiu hua,” which describes its spherical blooms.

The Japanese name in Chinese characters, literally meaning “purple sunflower,” derived from a poem by Bai Juyi (772-846), a Chinese poet and politician of the Tang Dynasty. But that was apparently the name of a different flower, although it was introduced to Japan as a hydrangea by mistake.

The Japanese name ajisai originated in Japan. From what I have read, the word was used in ancient times to denote clusters of indigo blue.

And because the hydrangea’s petals changed color multiple times, the flower also came to be called “shichihenge” (literally, “seven changes”) and “bakebana” (self-transforming flower).

Today is already the day of the summer solstice. No wonder the morning came early. But that also means nights are gradually going to grow longer.

The hydrangea favors partial shade. I wonder if it will start getting a little more rest in the days ahead.

A haiku by Nanako Washitani (1923-2018) goes to the effect, “As dusk deepens, the hydrangea’s purple becomes brighter.”

While contemplating the tilt of the Earth’s axis, I’m going back to bed.

--The Asahi Shimbun, June 21

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Vox Populi, Vox Dei is a popular daily column that takes up a wide range of topics, including culture, arts and social trends and developments. Written by veteran Asahi Shimbun writers, the column provides useful perspectives on and insights into contemporary Japan and its culture.

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