Kusuriya no Hitorigoto Part 1B: OP1 Hana Ni Natte
┏ · ──────── ·𖥸· ──────── · ┓
The last group of flowers featured in the first opening are theorised to represent different key characters featured in the first half of season 1. Namely the three princesses of Verdigris house, the 4 upper rank consorts as well as our protagonist Maomao.
The 9th flower depicted in the first opening is the plum blossom (Prunus mume). In the anime, plum blossoms are featured in episode 12—as a part of the vase arrangement said to represent the three princesses and Maomao—and episode 21.
Plum blossoms, known as ume (梅) in Japan, symbolise integrity, faithfulness, loyalty, elegance, and patience in hanakotoba. The plum blossom's stems, leaves, and seeds contain cyanide and are toxic to humans, dogs, cats and horses—especially when wilting.
In Western floriography, plum blossoms represent independence, hope, resilience, perseverance and courage. They are also associated with loyalty, longevity, honouring promises, and beauty's capacity to overcome adversity. This plethora of hopeful symbolism stems from the tree's hardiness and ability to bloom even in late winter, defying the vagaries of winter weather.
The 10th set of flowers depicted in the first opening are pink chrysanthemums (Chrysanthemum × morifolium). Pink chrysanthemums appear in episode 12—as part of a vase arrangement representing the three princesses and Maomao. Chrysanthemums contain toxic substances such as pyrethrins and pyrethroids, which may harm cats if ingested.
In Japan, chrysanthemums are called kiku (菊) and symbolise truth, sincerity, nobility, loftiness and true strength in hanakotoba. Pink chrysanthemums in particular symbolise sweet drams, purity and enduring love. A chrysanthemum is featured on the coat of arms of the Japanese royal family thus making the flower a symbol of nobility.
In Western floriography, chrysanthemums represent integrity, sincerity, humility, happiness, and friendship. Pink chrysanthemums specifically represent the desire for happiness.
The 11th set of flowers depicted in the first opening are white magnolias (Magnolia sp.) which are also featured in episode 12 as a part of the vase arrangement said to represent the three princesses and Maomao. While not regarded as hazardous the magnolia's flowers, leaves, twigs, and bark contain a variety of active compounds that can cause gastrointestinal discomfort, liver damage, and nervous system depression in cats.
In Japan, magnolias are called Mokuren (木蓮) and represent persistence, sustainability, sublimeness and a “love for nature” in hanakotoba.
In Western floriography, magnolias represent dignity, honour, nobility, perseverance and pride.
The 12th flower depicted in the first opening is the Cattleya (Cattleya sp.). This flower is also featured in episodes 5 and 11 of the anime and is canonically associated with the Pure Consort, Ah-Duo.
In Japan, these flowers are called katoreya (カトレア). In hanakotoba, they represent seduction, mature adult charm and a graceful lady. The latter is likely derived from the Cattleya’s nickname “the queen of orchids”.
Cattleyas in Western floriography represent mature charm, vitality, fertility, and creativity, as well as elegance, luxury, and refinement. They also symbolise femininity, expressing beauty, grace, love, romance, passion, and strength.
-> 1.13) Lily of the Valley
The 13th flower depicted is the lily of the valley (Convallaria majalis). This flower is also featured in episode 5 of the anime and is canonically associated with the Virtuous Consort, Lishu. Lily of Valley plants are highly toxic, containing 38 cardiac glycosides.
In Japan, these flowers are called suzuran (鈴蘭)—a name derived from the bell-like shape of its flowers and its orchid-like scent. In hanakotoba, they symbolise sweetness, purity, humility and “happiness will come again”.
In Western floriography, the lily of the valley represents sweetness, purity, humility, kindness, loveliness, and the "return of happiness." The flower's symbolism of the return of happiness originates from its usage as a symbol of the return of spring in northern European countries—thus representing the end of the harsh winter.
-> 1.3+1.14) Balloon Flowers
Both the 3rd and 14th flowers depicted in the first opening are Balloon flowers (Platycodon grandiflorus), often known as Chinese Bellflowers. This flower was also featured in episodes 1, 4 and 5 of the anime and is canonically associated with the Wise Consort, Lihua. These plants can be harmful to cats, resulting in symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhoea, and lethargy.
In Japan, balloon flowers are called kikyo (桔梗) and symbolise eternal love, sincerity, obedience, elegance and neatness in hanakotoba.
In Western floriography, balloon flowers represent endless love, honesty, obedience and the desire for a friend's return.
The 15th flower depicted in the opening is a pink peony (Paeonia sp.). Peonies were also featured in episodes 1 and 5 of the anime and are canonically associated with the Precious Consort, Gyokuyou. Peonies contain a toxin known as paeonol, which can be harmful to cats, causing gastrointestinal problems, diarrhoea, vomiting and depression.
In Japan, peonies are called botan (牡丹). They represent bravery, wealth, prosperity, shyness and stateliness in hanakotoba. Its association with stateliness, wealth and prosperity stems from its abundance of lush petals.
In Western floriography, peonies represent bashfulness and compassion. Pink peonies particularly are associated with love, femininity and compassion.
The final flower depicted in the first opening is called Wood sorrel (Oxalis sp.). This flower appears in episodes 12, 23 and 24, and is canonically associated with our protagonist, Maomao. Although it is widely assumed that wood sorrel is toxic to humans, it is edible and has been used as a therapeutic herb for generations, and it is still employed in herbal therapy today, albeit less well-known and used than other plants. However, every component of the plant is toxic to animals if consumed due to it containing oxalic acid.
In Japan, wood sorrel is known as katabami (片喰, カタバミ) and symbolises a radiant or shining heart in hanakotoba. This symbolism is not only derived from its displays of lemon-yellow blossoms but also from the fact that its leaves were used to polish Buddhist utensils and copper mirrors. Wood sorrel is frequently associated with the onset of spring and the regeneration of life. It also represents good luck, fortune, and fortitude. As a result of its distinctive leaf shape, wood sorrel has been given the moniker “Cat's paws”.
In Western floriography, wood sorrel symbolises joy, love, hope, faith, luck and maternal tenderness. Wood sorrel holds a wide range of symbolic meanings, including luck, healing, protection, love, and connectedness to the natural world. In some cultures, Wood Sorrel is revered as a symbol of good fortune, bringing blessings as well as protection from evil spirits.
┗ · ──────── ·𖥸· ──────── · ┛
╰➤ Other anime & donghua hanakotoba posts
[A/N: Please check out part 1A and part 2 as well! Since I've only watched the anime but haven't read the manga or light novels and thus cannot comment on how everything ties into the overarching storyline or character development—I didn't go into too much detail here... Also, since there are so many flowers featured, this post would grow way too long if I did lmao.
If anyone has any ideas on what anime/anime theme song I should cover next in this series please lmk✿ Also, if you liked this post, check out my other hanakotoba analysis posts...]
baratheonpilled
2087
dededos
kianamaiart
andulkaphoto
tangentwithtanner
annaxmalina
