Something on flower meanings:
This first information is from the book Fantasies & Flowers: Origami in Fabric for Quitters by Kumiko Sudo. It actually is talking about the Japanese art of ikebana, or flower arranging. In Japan each month is celebrated by different flowers, allowing each ikebana piece to suggest the season in which it was created. One of the objectives of ikebana is to make a statement so the symbolism of certain flowers becomes important, both to inspire the maker and enrich the experience of the observer. These same symbols could be incorporated into a temari design alone with a note explaining the symbolism.
January: Pine. Pine represents eternal life, suggesting tranquillity, faithfulness, and integrity. Pine with it's twin needles is also used in weddings to symbolize long life, however if one of the needles dies, so does the other. Pine and rose used together represent the Japanese love of contrast or the attraction that opposites have for each other , the traditional concept of yin and yang. Pine is masculine, bold, vital. The rose is feminine, colorful, fragile representing love, beauty and sentiment.
February: Plum. Good fortune.
March: Peach and Pear. Peach blossoms represent life and also the feminine qualities of gentleness and mildness.
April: Cherry. The cherry blossom is the national flower of Japan symbolizing loyalty and filial love. They are liken to the samurai, who spends his life preparing for the battle in which he is killed.
May: Azalea, peony and wisteria. Azalea symbolizes family devotion because the blossoms lie very close to the parent stem. Peony: happiness, prosperity, love and affection. Climbing vines such as wisteria, sweet peas, ivy, clematis and morning glory all indicate affection.
June: Iris. Strength, vitality, boldness, power and eloquence. Often a choice for one of Japan's national festivals Boy's Day on May 5.
July: Morning glory. Affection.
August: Lotus. Life, immortality, meditation. Often used at funerals.
September: The 7 grasses.
October: Chrysanthemum. Strength, courage and dignity. Used to provide encouragement to one who struggles.
November: Maple.
December: Camellia.
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