flower-comparing contest (Heian period)
A courtly pastime of the Heian period where participants compared and judged the beauty of flowers, often as part of poetry gatherings or seasonal festivities.
Hana-kurabe was one of the elegant pastimes held at the imperial court during the Heian period.
Compound of 花 (hana, 'flower') and 競べ (kurabe, 'contest, comparison'), referring to a flower-comparing contest.