noun
rush mat with a floral or bulrush pattern
A traditional Japanese woven mat made from igusa (rush), often featuring a decorative floral or bulrush design. Used as a floor covering, especially in summer.
夏になると、縁側に花ござを敷いて涼む。
In summer, we spread a floral rush mat on the veranda to cool off.
Compound of 花 (hana, 'flower') and ござ (goza, 'rush mat'). The exact origin of ござ is uncertain, but it may derive from 茣蓙, a kanji compound used specifically for rush mats.