Cosmos Day (Kosumosu no Hi)

What Is Cosmos Day?

September 14th is "Cosmos Day" (Kosumosu no Hi) — a day on which couples exchange gifts accompanied by cosmos flowers to reaffirm their love for one another. Who established the day is not known. The cosmos, a quintessential autumn flower in Japan, carries meanings such as "harmony," "sincerity," and "maidenly purity," making it a beloved symbol of affection.

Why September 14th?

September 14th falls exactly six months after White Day on March 14. In Japan, following the example of Valentine's Day on February 14, some treat the 14th of each month as a day for couples, and the cosmos, which blooms around this time, became the flower associated with September 14.

• Peak Bloom: Cosmos flowers reach full bloom from mid-September through October.
• Fitting Flower Meanings: Meanings like "love" and "harmony" make the cosmos a natural choice for couples.
• Six months after White Day: September 14 is also "September Valentine" and "Men's Valentine's Day" in Japan.

About the Cosmos Flower

The cosmos is an annual flower in the daisy family, native to Mexico. In Japan it is affectionately known as "akizakura" (literally "autumn cherry blossom"), and it is widely cultivated as one of the defining flowers of the autumn landscape.

• Origin: Native to Mexico and Central/South America.
• Arrival in Japan: Said to have been introduced around 1887 (Meiji 20) and has since been cultivated nationwide.
• Origin of the name: "Cosmos" comes from a Greek word meaning "order" or "the universe."
• Varieties: Includes the Sensation series, chocolate cosmos, and yellow cosmos, among many others.

The Meanings of Cosmos by Color

Cosmos flowers carry different meanings depending on their color, making them popular as gifts.

• Pink: Maidenly purity, sincerity.
• White: Harmony, elegance.
• Red: Love, deep affection.
• Chocolate Cosmos: Memories of love.

Fascinating Facts About Cosmos Day

• A Day for Couples: Exchanging cosmos flowers is seen as a way for couples to reaffirm their love.
• A Symbol of Autumn: Fields of cosmos flowers reach full bloom across Japan around this time, becoming a beloved seasonal sight.
• A Favorite for Photos: The way the flowers sway gracefully in the wind makes cosmos fields popular spots for photography.
• The Name "Akizakura": Momoe Yamaguchi's 1977 hit song "Cosmos" (written by Masashi Sada) popularized reading the kanji for "autumn cherry blossom" as "cosmos," cementing this poetic name in Japanese culture.

Ideas for Cosmos Day

• Give cosmos flowers to a partner or someone special to you.
• Visit a field of cosmos flowers and take in the autumn scenery.
• Choose flowers with the color meanings in mind.
• Go for an autumn walk or take photos to enjoy the changing season.

Cosmos Flowers Swaying in the Autumn Breeze Quietly Convey Warmth and Love

Cosmos Day on September 14th is a day to express your feelings for someone special as autumn arrives. Let these delicate flowers carry your feelings, and enjoy a warm, heartfelt moment together.