Flower symbolism in TBHK[]
So this topic has been discussed by many people already, but I wanted to gather all that information and put it in one place. Flowers are used to represent the character's situation and emotions, and its no different in TBHK. Interestingly, there's been a switch from red camellias to yellow daffodils since Volume 15.
So, we'll be doing a character analysis solely based on flower symbolism!
Hanako and flower symbolism[]
Red camellia[]
Hanako's main flowers are red camellias, otherwise known as "Tsubaki" and are considered the Japanese rose. They have various meanings depending on the context, but is most popular for its "You're a flame in my heart" definition. They're apparent in the first scene where Hanako introduces himself and is consistently used throughout the series.
Red camellias appear in the most infamous scenes of Hanako and Yashiro, highlighting their relationship. In floral language, a red camellia symbolizes love and noble death, but can also signify admiration, passion and desire.
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If we analyze Hanako's characterisation solely based on the red camellia, then we understand that whenever Hanako goes in action, whether that's saving Yashiro from a supernatural, or kill the yorishiros of the Seven Wonders, he acts because of a desire, therefore, a motive.
The red camellias around Hanako and Yashiro only appears after they commit their mermaid-bond, which for Nene allows her to be human again. Hanako on the other hand, benefits from this to achieve his purpose of altering the 7 Wonders rumors, as he has a connection to the mortal realm. Hanako's initial desire to pursue this bond is to fulfil his duty (to maintain a stable relationship between supernatural and students) in order to repent. However, later we see that Hanako's desire has changed to let Yashiro live.
Red camellias signify Hanako's two desires; 1. To fulfil his duty as No.7 in order to "repent" and 2. To help Yashiro escape her destiny and let her live out of admiration, passion and love for her (Confirmed by ch.86).
They also signify another possibility, whereby Hanako will (and I don't see why not) die a noble death to save Yashiro.
Moving on, the official art suggests that Hanako is No.7 with a desire of something, and something important. There seems to be an ongoing conflict between Tsukasa and Hanako, with Tsukasa meddling with rumors and Hanako stopping the rumors, both with conflicting desires, hence different colors of camellia in the cover.
It is pretty evident, both in the story and flower symbolism that Hanako is longing and in desperate need to fulfil and embrace his desire. The official art with Hanako hugging a bouquet of them implies a longing for Yashiro, but could also be interpreted literally as he is in need of proper love.
References:
https://hananokotoba.com/the-language-of-flowers/#3
https://tsubakibound.tumblr.com/post/621052435493978112/the-symbolism-of-flowers-in-aidairos-works