Aussie Hanafuda 10

Starting in spring, the Waratah is in bloom for a period of about 6 weeks, running a little later in cooler regions. The Waratah is the state symbol for New South Wales and has inspired many local artists including Margaret Preston and her work with wood block prints. The kookaburra is also a state symbol for NSW. Some people note that the kookaburra’s call signifys coming rain, in this case the wet season in tropical areas of Australia begins in the coming month of November.

Hanafuda is a Japanese card game featuring 12 suits based on the months of the year. Each suit has a feature plant or flower which tracks the flow of nature through the passing seasons.

While living in Japan, John (pitok) was struck by how people took the time to intentionally notice the slow changes in nature, and consciously be present in each experience as it came and went. Each month brought a new flower, a new festival, different ways to connect with one another, and the world around them.

Living in the Aussie ‘burbs, pitok decided to spend more intentional time reflecting on the everpresent, everchanging natural world and his ties to it.