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| Momijigari - the viewing of red leaves is especially valued in Japan and dates back to the first century |
It’s not necessary to go all the way to Mt. Field to see
beautiful displays of colour. I popped down to the Botanic Gardens the other
day, specifically to look at the Japanese Garden, but the whole area was ablaze
with the rich tones of autumn.
I am not sure what the fascination is, though as usual I
have a theory. I certainly think it is much more than people following a fashion to keep up with the folks on the hill and I am certain
that science will eventually prove me right. I believe that just as other life forms respond to declining sunlight – the lower
angle of the sun as it enters the outer perimeter of its orbit, that makes birds
begin their long migrations, squirrels put by nuts, and trees invest energy in their roots rather than leaves
and shoots, we too have a conditioned evolutionary response, though our need
for storing food is less apparent in these days of global trade.
Perhaps, as with
other seemingly mystical forces such as love, science will show that we are merely
responding to pheromones as a result of the chemicals put out by the trees.
Obviously more research is needed.
Meanwhile in me at least, viewing the changing leaves induces a sense of
melancholy and an acute consciousness of the passage of time and the seasons and
a kind of homesickness.
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| The Gardens themselves are a gift from the people of Japan |
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| Time to reflect on the passing of time |
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