Geiko Kikutsuru has chosen cream semiformal kimono with hand-painted irises and willow. Iris or Kakitsubata is the flower of May but it is considered "stylish" to wear kimono with motifs that are "ahead" of the season. Her obi is green with black and features sakura and fire. In her hands she is holding a kago bag, in which maiko and geiko carry items that might need during the events, for example spare pair of tabi socks, comb, traditional lipstick, mirror, comb, hanameishi(business cards) etc.
Geiko Kikumaru has chosen bright yellow kimono that features iris flowers as well. If we talk about symbols, iris symbolizes rebirth, new beginnings, renewal (early Spring), beauty and the transience of life. Deep blue obi, that featured waves, holds the kimono close. Geiko have more choice in footwear than maiko - they can wear several types of geta or zouri whilst maiko have only tall okobo or zouri. Same is with juban (under kimono) - maiko have only red juban whilst geiko can choose between pink, white and for some occasions they also wear red juban.
This month you can spot Maiko Kikune wearing white hikizuri with fuji(wisteria) design. This common flower motif symbolizes longevity, peace and harmony therefore you can spot it on the bridal kimono as well. Wisteria plants are known to have very long lifespans, one of the oldest wisteria trees in Japan is 144 years old! The obi is black and has geometrical motif on it and holds the kimono close. The light purple color of the wisteria goes perfectly with the vibrant Sakura with silver butterflies kanzashi in her hair styled in Ofuku hairstyle.
Maiko Kikushino is wearing extremely colorful green hikizuri with hand-painted flowers and butterflies making her look like a true springtime flower. The butterfly is often used as a symbol for young girls as they spread their wings and emerge into womanhood, and are also believed to symbolise joy and longevity. If a symbol contains two butterflies dancing around each other, it is a symbol of marital happiness. Her lovely darari obi with geometrical motif holds the kimono tight as well supports the back of the maiko san. Maiko Kikushino's hairstyle is called Wareshinobu and is decorated with colorful seasonal kanzashi. This month's kanzashi, worn by Maiko Kikushino, depict red lanterns between sakura that are in bloom now
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| From left to right: Maiko Kikune (white), Geiko Kikumaru(beige), Maiko Kikushino(blue), Geiko Kikutsuru (light green) |
