Rue - the herb of grace 芸香開花了

In European folklore, this herb had been believed to have a special power. Rue was used as brushes to sprinkle the holy water. People planted rue outside of the doorway to prevent the invasion of evil things and get blessings into their houses.  

In China, dried rue was put into books to prevent bookworm. 

浙江寧波有一棟馳名中外的藏書樓天一閣。就是一位明朝兵部侍郎致仕回鄉後修建的。天一閣用芸香防蠹害下來, 到現在還保存著許多珍貴書畫。

In all her splendor 國色天香

In China more than 1000 years ago, people in the capital of Tang dynasty loved peony flowers very much.  A poet said they got mad and lavish in buying precious peonies.

有一個唐代詩人云: 牡丹濃艷亂人心, 一國如狂不惜金。

你喜歡看牡丹嗎?

Gateway to success

Quite a lot of carp flags on the river. When a wind comes into their mouths, they begin to swim in the air.  Carp were believed to become a dragon when they passed the rapid stream. Dragon is a symblo of excellence. People fly carp flags and do hope their children will have a successful life with brilliant abilities.

Holy dance

This is "Kagura", a holy dance played in a Shinto shrine.  The stories of Kagura are based on ancient myths collected about 1200 years ago. People in villages hold Kagura in spring to pray for good growth of  grain.