How to Read “柳は緑花は紅”
Yanagi wa midori hana wa kurenai
Meaning of “柳は緑花は紅”
This proverb expresses the importance of cherishing the inherent characteristics and individuality that each thing possesses, and recognizing the beauty in their natural state.
Just as willows are beautiful in their green color and flowers are beautiful in their red color, all things have their own unique goodness and charm. Rather than trying to forcibly change them, it teaches us that they have value just as they are. In human relationships too, this carries the meaning that it’s important to respect each person’s individuality and characteristics, rather than comparing ourselves to others and feeling inferior, or forcing ourselves to imitate others.
This proverb is used when we want to acknowledge differences in personality, when we want to cherish being ourselves, and when we want to convey the importance of having a heart that accepts diversity. In modern times, it’s often used to express the importance of reexamining the unique value and charm that each person possesses in a society that tends toward uniformity.
Origin and Etymology
“Willow is green flower is red” is a proverb that originates from Chinese classics. Originally, it was a phrase born from the teachings of Chinese Zen Buddhism, expressing the meaning that “natural things are each beautiful in their original form.”
This phrase is thought to have been transmitted to Japan during the era when Chinese culture flowed in along with Buddhism. In Zen philosophy, the importance of accepting things as they are is taught, and through the contrast of the green of willows and the red of flowers, it expressed the beauty of recognizing each thing’s individuality and characteristics.
In Japan, similar expressions began appearing in literary works around the Heian period, and it developed in deep connection with Japanese aesthetic sensibilities, particularly in tea ceremony and flower arrangement. The heart that honestly appreciates the beauty of nature’s colors matched very well with Japanese aesthetic sensibilities, so it’s thought to have become established as a proverb.
What’s interesting is that this phrase doesn’t merely express the beauty of colors, but contains the deep philosophical meaning of Zen’s “as it is.” It’s a very profound proverb that expresses the importance of recognizing the inherent beauty that each existence possesses, using familiar examples from nature.
Interesting Facts
The color “red” that appears in this proverb was considered a very noble color in ancient China. Dye made from safflowers was precious, and only the imperial court and wealthy classes could wear it, so “red” was a symbol of both beauty and specialness.
The combination of willow and flower is also a technique of antithetical couplets often used in Chinese classical poetry. By contrasting the delicate and elegant beauty of willows with the vivid and powerful beauty of flowers – different types of beauty – it expresses the richness of diversity more impressively.
Usage Examples
- Since children each have different talents, I want to watch over them with the spirit of “Willow is green flower is red”
- While everyone dresses similarly, she alone maintains her own style – truly “Willow is green flower is red”
Modern Interpretation
In modern society, the meaning of this proverb has become even more important. With the spread of social media, comparison with others has become routine, and there’s a tendency to emphasize the number of “likes” and visual uniformity. However, precisely because of such times, the teaching of “Willow is green flower is red” holds fresh meaning.
In the modern era where concepts of diversity and inclusion are gaining attention, this proverb is being reevaluated as classical wisdom that recognizes diversity. In workplaces, people with different backgrounds collaborate, and in educational settings, guidance that develops each person’s individuality is required.
Also, while efficiency and standardization advance with the development of AI technology, the value of human-like individuality and creativity is being reconsidered. The growing demand for personalized experiences rather than uniform services is also a manifestation of this way of thinking.
However, in modern times, “respecting individuality” is sometimes confused with “selfishness.” The original meaning of the proverb is not to justify selfish behavior, but to recognize and appreciate the inherent goodness that each person possesses. True diversity means maintaining harmony while accepting differences.
When AI Hears This
“Green” and “red” are complementary colors positioned directly opposite each other on the color wheel, creating the color combination that the human eye finds most beautiful. This is no coincidence.
The human retina contains three types of cells that detect red, green, and blue light. When we see green and red simultaneously, these cells work most actively, sending strong “beautiful” signals to the brain. In fact, one reason Christmas colors are beloved worldwide is the physiological comfort that this green and red combination provides.
Even more fascinating are the psychological effects of green. Green stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, lowering heart rate by approximately 10%. Meanwhile, red activates the sympathetic nervous system, improving attention by 20% according to research findings. In other words, “willows are green, flowers are red” represents psychologically optimal color design that exquisitely balances relaxation and alertness effects.
When ancient people created this proverb, color psychology didn’t exist. Yet human instinctive aesthetic sense had selected the scientifically most ideal color combination. It’s remarkable that words expressing natural beauty contained visual principles that modern science would later prove.
Lessons for Today
What “Willow is green flower is red” teaches modern people is a way of living freed from the curse of comparison. There’s no need to feel depressed looking at others’ lives on social media, or to suppress yourself to fit in with those around you. You have your own unique color, and it possesses a beauty different from anyone else’s.
Even though you may intellectually understand “everyone is different and everyone is good” at work or school, you often feel peer pressure in reality. At such times, remember this proverb. Just as it would be unnatural for a willow to try to become a flower, you don’t need to try to become someone else.
What’s important is to cherish your own individuality while simultaneously respecting others’ individuality. By building relationships where you can acknowledge differences, you should both be able to shine brighter. Rather than aiming for perfection, polish your authentic self. Such a way of living will surely make your life richer and more colorful.
Comments