Historic photo of the Fabyan Japanese Garden, c. 1920.
Japanese Gardens are a distinct type of garden meant to provide a tranquil place for reflection. The Fabyan Japanese Garden in Geneva, Illinois, is one of the few remaining in the United States. Unfortunately, cultural misappropriation and misunderstanding have led some to believe certain things about Japanese Gardens that are untrue. Here are 7 common myths about Japanese Gardens:
Myth #1: A Japanese Garden should have red bridges and gates
Some Japanese Gardens do have red bridges and gates, however, this is not a common feature. Red is more commonly a distinct feature of Chinese gardens, where red is believed to be a lucky color. Western Europeans assumed red was an “oriental” style because they failed to understand Asian cultural distinctions. This is why there are red bridges and gates in European and American imitation Japanese Gardens. Traditionally, the bridges and gates of Japanese Gardens are unpainted wood.
myth #2: Cherry Blossoms are common in A Japanese Garden
In fact, Cherry Blossom trees are rarely found in formal, traditional Japanese Gardens. While beautiful, the bright colors of Cherry Blossoms would contradict the aesthetic purpose of a Japanese Garden, which is simplicity. Bright colors are viewed as distracting or ostentatious and are typically avoided. Cherry blossoms are popular in Japan’s public parks, however.
myth #3: A Japanese Garden is a sacred places
The roots of Japanese Garden design are tied to Shintoism, but Japanese Gardens are not religious temples or shrines. Some temples and shrines have associated gardens, but the gardens are not inherently sacred on their own. Japanese Gardens are meant to be enjoyed by all.
Myth #4: A Japanese Garden is a Zen Garden
This is true and false. “Zen Garden” is a term without a clear definition. The typical depiction of a Zen Garden is with sand or gravel raking and is called a “karesansui” or “dry garden.” This differs from many Japanese Gardens, including the Fabyan Japanese Garden in Geneva, which was designed to flourish with grass, flowers, and trees.
Myth #5: Water flows from east to west in a Japanese Garden
Many believe that water flows from east to west in a Japanese Garden to wash away evil spirits. This, however, is an aspect of feng shui, a Chinese practice of creating harmony and balance with nature. A Japanese Garden works with nature and would allow for water to flow in whatever direction was natural.
Myth #6: Bonsai trees are common in a Japanese Garden
While Bonsai trees are culturally connected to Japan, they are meant to grow in a pot, not in the ground. The word bonsai literally means “in a pot.” There is no need for potted plants in a Japanese Garden. The highly cultivated, shaped trees and bushes that are in some Japanese Gardens are not bonsai.
Myth #7: A Japanese Garden has a deeply symbolic or spiritual meaning
Everything in a Japanese Garden has a purpose, but there is not always any deep symbolic or spiritual meaning. A Japanese Garden is meant to be simple, natural, and a bit unexpected. The meaning one derives from a Japanese Garden belongs to them, and that meaning will differ from one person to the next. The designer means for each to embark upon their own journey in as tranquil a space as possible.
Bonus Myth: The Fabyan Forest Preserve and the Fabyan Japanese Garden are the same thing
No. The Fabyan Japanese Garden is a one-acre garden WITHIN the Fabyan Forest Preserve. The Fabyan Japanese Garden has limited hours from May to September to protect the garden, but the 250-acre Fabyan Forest Preserve is open from dusk until dawn, 365 days a year. We encourage you to visit the preserve year-round, it’s a beautiful place (in our humble and biased opinion)!
Please note: This post was written by a Westerner based upon historical research. To be fully understood, it is highly recommended learning about Japanese Gardening more directly from the people for whom the culture is a lived experience.
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