This temari looks extremely Japanese and this is not for nothing. Asa-no-ha (麻の葉) pattern is very traditional for Japanese arts and crafts. Look at kimonos, for example. They usually have ornament as on temari ball above:

Japanese people believed this ornament defends their children from evil spirits, so kid’s kimonos and blankets have ASA-NO-HA pattern even now.

Asa-no-ha means flax (or cannabis, if you like ;) ), and 6 point star in the base of this pattern symbolizes flax leaves. Flax grows fast and straight, so Japanese mother wishes her baby to grow up faster and become strong and tall then wrap into asa-no-ha patterned blanket.

BabyВ clothesВ isВ notВ theВ onlyВ useВ forВ thisВ pattern.В ItВ isВ usedВ widelyВ almostВ everythereВ В on japanese crafted goods.

Want to make this ball yourself? I am working on the step-by-step tutorial, so watch my blog, please.