Yamato nadeshiko (やまとなでしこ or 大和撫子?) is a Japanese term meaning the "personification of an idealized Japanese woman",[1] or "the epitome of pure, feminine beauty".[2] It is a floral metaphor,[3] combining the words Yamato, an ancient name for Japan, and nadeshiko, a delicate frilled pink carnation called Dianthus superbus, whose kanji translate into English as "caressable child" (or "wide-eyed barley").[4][5]
The term "Yamato nadeshiko" is often used referring to a girl or shy young woman[6] and, in a contemporary context, nostalgically of women with "good" traits which are perceived as being increasingly rare.[7] However, Nadeshiko Japan is also widely used as the name for the Japanese national women's football team.[8]
not mine.credit and source: WIKIPEDIA
