A Questionnaire-based Investigation Indicated Mental Relaxation Effects in the Scent of the Sacred Flower of the Saikusa Festival, Lilium japonicum

Abstract

Isagawa Shrine was established in 593 and has been responsible for hosting the Saikusa Festival. From 701, about for 1000 years, it had been a responsibility given by the government, then later, since 1881, the shrine has hosted the festival more for local people. People wish for protection against diseases and disasters during the Saikusa Festival. Flowers of the Japanese bamboo lily Lilium japonicum are symbolic sacred flower for this festival. Traditionally, a cut flower has been dedicated to the enshrined deity and this kind of gift commonly symbolizes medical/pharmaceutical power. Though the lily root is known as an herbal medicine in general, there is not such information for the cut flower; stem, leaves or flower parts of L. japonicum. In this study, to reveal the forgotten reason behind the cut-flower form and to seek a new medical component from this sacred flower, the questionnaire-based investigation has been conducted to learn the influence of its scent on human feelings. The result indicated that the scent of the sacred flower, L. japonicum. has relaxation effects.