Well, here are my tentative symbolisms on hanafuda "suits". I had to make up
practically all of them, so if anyone out there catches something that really
goes against traditional meanings or just doesn't make any sense, please
notify me at polaris@interpac.net so I can fix it.
Thanks
JK
Hanafuda Fortune Telling:
The game known as hanafuda or hanakaruta contains 12 sets of four
cards, each representing a type of plant and a month. In December's
End, a fortune teller using hanafuda cards meets the characters at
the New Year's Festival (Chapters 7, 8). The twelve suits/months
are: 1) January/Pine; 2) February/plum; 3) March/cherry;
4) April/wisteria; 5) May/iris; 6) June/peony; 7) July/clover;
8) August/pampas; 9) September/chrysanthemum; 10) October/maple;
11) November/rain; 12) December/paulownia.
The rules and point-values vary from region to region; I use the
point-value that I am familiar with. In the fortune telling system, the
cards are spread out face down so that all cards are in a single layer
on the table. The client then picks as many cards as wanted and
arranges them in front of the teller; the interpretation of the cards
change with the variables. Distinctions between the natural world
and the human world are to be made with the distinguishing features
(animals, poems, paper).
Pine (matsu) - The four cards are distinguished by a pine branches
(two cards - 0 pts), a pine plant with a poem (10 pts), and a
pine plant with a crane (20 pts). The pine is an evergreen,
keeping its color all year round, and this symbolizes the
perserverance of the individual toward a goal. The crane
card especially signifies the bending of the entire will
toward a single important goal.
Plum (ume) - The four cards are distinguished by plum branches
(two cards - 0 pts), plum flowers with a bird (5 pts), and a
plum branch with a poem (10 pts). The plum card
stypically signifies new life or a new start because the plum
(ume) is the first flowering fruit plant of the year.
Cherry (sakura) - The four cards are distinguished by cherry
branches (two cards - 0 pts), cherry flowers with a poem
(10 pts), and cherry flowers with a banded screen (20 pts).
The cherry plant is revered for its short bloom; it affirms
the arrival of spring. Because of its association with
spring, the cards typically signifies actions associated with
love. The screen card typically signifies the announcement
of love, while the poem card typically signifies an official
recognition such as a wedding or engagement.
Wisteria (fuji) - The four cards are distinguished by wisteria fronds
(two cards - 0 pts), wisteria with a bird (5 pts), and wisteria
with blank poetry paper (10 pts). The wisteria erupts in
abundance, climbing up supports and drooping down from
the top. As such, the cards are usually indicators of success
or the ability to rise in stature.
Iris (shobu) - The four cards are distinguished by iris plants (two
cards - 0 pts), iris with a dock (5 pts), and iris with blank
poetry paper (10 pts). As the only real water card, the iris
typically signifies stagnation or the "hot/lazy days" of
summer. The paper card typically signifies unfinished
work, while the dock card signifies the potential for
finishing the work with added perserverance.
Tree Peony (botan) - The four cards are distinguished by peony
plants (two cards - 0 pts), a peony with butterflies (5 pts),
and peony with blank poetry paper (10 pts). The tree peony
is a slow-blooming perennial, and flowers may be injured
by a late frost. As such, it is a card that warns against rash
actions and advises for a long-term strategy in endeavors.
As the last card of summer, it may also indicate the last
visible public sign of success.
Bush Clover (hagi) - The four cards are distinguished by clover
fronds (two cards - 0 pts), clover with a pig (5 pts), and
clover with blank poetry paper (10 pts). The bush clover is
primarily used for feeding livestock, and as the first autumn
card typically signifies the start of the harvesting season. It
may also indicates a relief from the summer or the
rededication of the spirit towards important tasks.
Pampas Grass (susuki) - The four cards are distinguished by pampas
grass (two cards - 0 pts), grass with birds (5 pts), and grass
with a full moon (20 pts). The suit typically signifies the
Festival of the August Moon and the completion of
everyday tasks; it also marks the last occasion to celebrate
these obtained goals. Because of the association with
priests, the suit may also signify a religious journey or
greater spiritual understanding or emphasis.
Chrysanthemum (kiku) - The four cards are distinguished by
chrysanthemum plants (two cards - 0 pts), chrysanthemum
with a rice bowl (5 pts), and chrysanthemum with blank
poetry paper (10 pts). The chrysanthemum is associated
with the last real flowering plant of the year, and is
typically associated with the fulfillment of autumn. The
meaning behind the chrysanthemum card is complex, and
will especially depend on placement. It will typically
signify the last chance for fulfillment of wishes, desires, or
goal. Because of the association with government, it could
also signify public recognition, but if it is the last card
flipped the recognitions could be bittersweet (cf "The Last
Chrysanthemums").
Maple (momiji) - The four cards are distinguished by maple leaves
(two cards - 0 pts), maple tree with deer (5 pts), and maple
leaves with blank poetry paper (10 pts). The multicolored
maple leaves indicate the visible onset of winter, and as
such the cards typically will signify the either regret or the
bittersweet nature of the realization of passing time and the
greater difficulty in maintaining one's position. In a more
physical sense, the suit may indicate illness or injury.
Rain (ame) - The four cards are all unique. They are distinguished
by rain plants with blank poetry paper (10 pts), rain plants
with a man (5 pts), and rain plants with a bird (5 pts). As
the "rain" suit, these cards will typically signify sorrow or
loss, with the worlds of business, mankind, and nature
being represented by the individual cards. The last card,
the "gaji" card (0 pts), is a little different. Because of its
nature (the player is allowed to take any card with it), it
will typically signify a choice to be made if by itself. If it is
placed in contact with another card it will signify the
"theft" of whatever the other card signifies.
Paulownia (kiri) - The four cards are distinguished by paulownia
plants (two cards - 0 pts), paulownia with a chrysanthemum
shield (5 pts), and paulownia with a demon mask (20 pts).
As the last suit, the paulownia represents the "wrapping
up" of affairs or reconciliation of relationships. The mask
card additionally signifies a "last chance" for things to be
resolved. The shield card will typically suggest something
to do with money.