I got the branches of ground cherry at flower shop this week. It was the first time to see them here in Montpellier, so I was really happy to use them for the ikebana work as they are very popular flower materials in Japan.

In Japan, we use them at the period of Obon around the middle of August. Obon is a traditional event when ancestors come back at their family’s home. Then, we decorate the branches of ground cherry to let the ancestors find their home easily as they are regarded as the lantern.

In France, they use them just for decoration in autumn since they have the flaming autumn color.