Aster, a birthday flower of September 9th

Aster is one of the birthday flowers of September 9th, along with Chrysanthemum (see previous post) and Skunk Vine, among others. Aster is also the birthday flower of September 29th and October 16th. In Japanese it is known as Shion.

Aster is an autumn flower woven into themes of remembrance and enduring affection in Japan. In classical literature, especially the Konjaku Monogatari, aster symbolizes devotion that persists through hardship. An association that shaped its 'hanakotoba', flower language; it means "rememberance", "I will not forget you" and "thinking of someone far away". 

Aster typically blooms around September to October. The photo in this post was taken mid-October. Each individual flower blooms for about five to seven days.