Hydrangeas are generally poisonous, but the leaves can be fermented to make a special kind of tea called 'amacha' (甘茶).

As the name suggests, it is incredibly sweet, and is typically drunk on special occasions.

On Buddha's Birthday people soak small statues of Buddha in amacha.

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Although not a national holiday, most temples hold celebrations for Kanbutsu-e.

It's customary to pour 'ama-cha' (甘茶), a herbal tea made from the fermented leaves of a type of hydrangea, over small Buddha statues decorated with flowers...as if bathing a newborn baby.

#Japan #Buddha #BuddhasBirthday #HanaMatsuri #FlowerFestival #甘茶 #amacha #Kanbutsue #灌仏会