Gorgeous Japanese beauties by Phil Couture

Phil Couture is a realist painter currently residing in Kyoto, Japan. Exploring new cultures becomes a running theme in Phil’s work. 

Official website: http://philcouture.com/

http://philcouture.com/

http://philcouture.com/

Ephemeral nature of life and Sakura blossoms

Hi, Maho beauty friends! The cherry blossom, or Sakura is Japan's unofficial national flower and there are many dozens of different cherry tree varieties in Japan. Sakura blossoms symbolize clouds due to their nature of blooming en masse, besides being an enduring metaphor for the ephemeral nature of life. The life of Sakura is very short - they only remain for a week. Yet they are so amazingly beautiful! heart emoticon Have you ever seen the cherry blossoms in Japan?
Here is playful yet elegant Japanese kanzashi with Sakura. Please click the URL for details: http://www.mahobeauty.com/index.php…
Japoniška vyšnia sakura laikoma neaoficialiu Japonijos simboliniu medžiu ir gerbiama kaip nacionalinis reliktas. Japonijoje vyšnių žydėjimas yra atrakcija, pritraukianti minias vietos gyventojų ir turistų. Nepaprastai graži ir trapi ji vadinama Japonijos siela ir savo rausvos bei baltos spalvos žiedais skelbia apie atėjusį pavasarį.

Kanzashi are ornamental hairpins or combs that have been used for traditional Japanese hairstyle. Originally, kanzashi were considered as charms.
It was believed that magical power was in the stick of the kanzashi and it could fend off evil spirits when it was put close to the head, which is the most important part of human's body. http://www.mahobeauty.com/index.php?route=product%2Fproduct&product_id=250

Another theory says that kanzashi were used as weapons of self-defence. However, kanzashi came to be used as hairpins to put hair together with the growing aesthetic sense of women.
It is said that the change of kanzashi made more variations of women's hairdos.
http://www.mahobeauty.com/index.php?route=product%2Fproduct&product_id=250

When we see kanzashi today, there are a wide range of materials, shapes, and designs. People enjoy kanzashi with western style clothes or gowns and it looks very elegant and natural. 
http://www.mahobeauty.com/index.php?route=product%2Fproduct&product_id=61

Kanzashi attract many women not only in Japan but also in other countries now.
http://www.mahobeauty.com/index.php?route=product%2Fproduct&product_id=61

Gorgeous big Sakura cherry blossoms decorated with small shining rhinestones. Absolutely lovely item - it would make a unique gift. http://www.mahobeauty.com/index.php?route=product%2Fproduct&product_id=61

Haha no hi - Happy Mothers Day in Japanese 

Hello and Konnichiwa! Here, in Lithuania, we have Mother's day approaching ♪ Mother's day is celebrated on various days in many parts of the world, but most commonly in the months of March or May. Haha no hi is Happy Mothers Day in Japanese and it is celebrated on the second Sunday of May. heart emoticon What is the date for Mother's day in your country?

Maneki Neko - cute idea for Japanese style Mothers Day gift! Available here: http://www.mahobeauty.com/index.php?route=product%2Fproduct&path=20_61&product_id=305

How does Japan celebrate Mothers Day?

First Mothers Day celebration in Japan occurred on 6th March, the birthday of Empress Kojun, who was the mother of Akihito (Japan’s current emperor). The celebration later became fully established alongside the organisation of the Imperial Women’s Union in 1931. During the Second World War, the Japanese were prohibited from celebrating Western customs and Mothers Day was brought to an abrupt end.
After 1949, when the War was over Mothers Day saw it's revival. The date changed to the second Sunday of May, when it continues to be celebrated to this day. (You might wish to celebrate it on your national Mothering Sunday instead, just in case your mum thinks you’ve forgotten…)
Since its revival, Mothers Day has been celebrated widely across Japan. Nowadays, many festivities are undertaken in celebration and it has become one of the busiest days of the year for restaurants and shopping malls. Whether your mother is Japanese or you simply wish to treat her to something a little different this year, a Japanese style Mothers Day celebration is a wonderful way to show her just how much you care.

Cute chirimen crepe teddy bears. Available here: http://www.mahobeauty.com/index.php?route=product%2Fproduct&path=62_70&product_id=319