The cherry blossom season has ended at Meguro River, and the season of sparkling new green leaves has arrived.
I walk to work while looking at the trees along the Meguro River, and the lively sight of the trees swaying gently with their leaves changing into various colors gives me energy every day.
On Persian carpets, you often see a pattern called the "Tree of Life," which seems to give you energy.
The Tree of Life represents wishes such as "health," "longevity," and "children's growth."
The inspiration he gains from the mystical sight of cypress trees sprouting from the dry desert and growing as if reaching for the sky is woven into his rugs.
It may be quite natural for Iranian nomads to depict familiar objects they see in their daily lives on rugs and give them meaning.
Personally, I believe that the reason we feel the warmth and are drawn to handwoven rugs is because these feelings stimulate something fundamental about who we are as human beings.
Although we may generally refer to trees, there are many messages that can be felt from them that are universal.
In Japanese and European mythology, trees are said to be inhabited by spirits, and in Japan they are cherished as sacred trees.
In India, Native Americans, and Siberians, there is a myth called the World Tree, which says that the world is made up of a single tree.
The story of "The Giving Tree"
My favorite story, "The Giving Tree," is about the friendship between a boy and an apple tree.
A large tree continues to watch the boy grow up from the same spot.
When the boy said, "I want money," the man gave him an apple and told him to exchange it for gold coins, and when the boy said he wanted a house or a boat, the man continued to give him leaves, branches, and trunks.
The tree, now a stump, waits for the boy for many years, and when he appears as an old man, he tells the boy, "I have nothing more to give you, but please sit here," and makes him sit on the stump, feeling very happy, and the story ends.
Be happy
I felt angry at the boy for only thinking about himself and not the tree, but there is also a theory that this story is about a mother and her child.
Is it because mothers are the ones who continue to give their children important things?
Is it because mothers are the ones who continue to watch their children grow?
I'm sure that's not what happened, but rather what the tree always says to the boy in the story who begs for help.
"Be happy."
Mother's Day and Father's Day are approaching again this year.
This year, more than ever, you may have wished for your family's health, wishing them good health and living a long life.
I think that at the root of it all is the feeling, "I hope you live happily ever after."
Just as Iranian nomads paint the Tree of Life in hopes of family happiness, we too can receive that message and pass it on to our loved ones.
I don't know if that's admirable or not, but even now that I'm an adult, I'm sure there's someone who will always wish for me to be happy, and I think that's both a blessing and a comforting thing.
Send with wishes
From being wished for to wishing for.
Why not give a "Tree of Life" rug this Mother's Day or Father's Day, with the message of "May you stay healthy and live a long life" in mind, and with even more thoughts of "health" than usual?
Small Gabbeh (40 x 40 cm)
A slightly larger rug
In addition to the Tree of Life, there are many other auspicious patterns that are fun to look at.
For those who are greedy and want lots of happiness.
This charming rug features a cute arrow-shaped tree of life that feels like it's poking you in the butt.
This is for those who prefer a more sophisticated and calm rug.
The tree of life is perfectly aligned.
There are many little birds around the Tree of Life that bring happiness.
You can almost hear the chirping coming from the rug!
This is a calm rug with a Japanese modern atmosphere.
The tree of life looks like ivy and has a bewitching atmosphere.
Many trees of life stand there in all their glory.
This rug feels different depending on the season and can be enjoyed all year round.
A group of animals gather happily around a single tree.
The living room will naturally become a place for the family to gather and relax.
King of the Tree of Life!
This is it! The Tree of Life! If these three trees were to unite, they could defeat anything.
Layout hopes to help you create a wonderful day this year as well.
(Komatsu)