June is called “Minazuki” in the old calendar. Because “na” has the meaning of the possessive “no”, Minazuki is therefore “mizu no tsuki,” the month of water.

The flower representing this season is the hydrangea. Originating in Japan, the hydrangea was bred in Europe and later won popularity back in Japan during the Taisho Era.

The flower symbolizes “fickleness,” giving a somewhat cold impression, and the reason lies in the flower’s features. The color of the flower petal gradually changes throughout the life of the flower. It also changes to red if the plant is growing in alkaline soil, and to blue in acidic soil.

Decorating the streets with its colorful petals in the rain, the hydrangea offers visual pleasure in the month of water.

Reference: Nihon Bijin no 72-Kou (72 Seasons for Japanese Beauty) by Keiko Yamashita