March Kitsuke

Members of Hanafusa okiya posing in front of Hina Matsuri doll display
(from left: Maiko Kikune, Geiko Kikutsuru, Geiko Kikumaru, Maiko Kikushino)

Geiko Kikutsuru is wearing deep blue kimono with hand-painted sakura blossoms. Silver obi accompanies the kimono well and holds kimono close to the body. Her katsura or wig is decorated with a very special maezashi which represents a pinwheel. You see, this type of kanzashi (full kanzashi ensemble of course - hanakanzashi, maezashi and hanagushi) is worn by Minarai in Gion Kobu and Pontocho and is often associated with youthfulness. As march is known of it's Hinamatsuri celebrations, therefore festival dedicated to young girls and women, Geiko Kikutsuru has chosen a hair decoration that represents this joyful event, that takes place only once a year

Geiko Kikumaru's kimono has plum blossoms, chrysanthemums, bamboo leafs and narcissus flowers design. There are also some rocks painted as well and it seems that some of flowers have grown out from the rocks. The color of this hikizuri is subtle and gradates from blue/purple to white at the hem and sleeves. The obi is light and the pattern on it is created with a golden silk thread which makes it very valuable piece. Her katsura is decorated with maezashi that features seasonal flower of march - suisen (daffodil).

Maiko Kikune is wearing subtle green hikizuri with playful plum and sakura blossoms. It is tied with woven bright orange Darari Obi with fan design. Senior Maiko in Miyagawacho start "tying" their obiage as soon as they start wearing Ofuku hairstyle. This is different from Gion Kobu when Maiko start tucking obiage into obi as a sign of preparing for Erikae. Her hairstyle is decorated with seasonal triple hanakanzashi which feature suisen or daffodil. 

Maiko Kikushino's hikizuri for this month features spring and summer flowers and blossoms on a subtle yellow background. The obi is black with geometrical design - a perfect match for this delicate hikizuri! As Junior Maiko, Kikushino isnt tucking her obiage into her obi like Maiko Kikune put ties it upon the obi. This is to emphasize maiko's youthfulness and cuteness. Her hairstyle is wareshinobu and is decorated with Nanohana (rapeseed flower) - another seasonal march flower. Whilst Daffodils are reserved for Senior maiko, Juniors get to wear nanohana, usually with silver butterflies on it.