| Ikebana (literally "living flowers") is the | | | | created a new freedom in flower arranging, is |
| Japanese art of flower arrangement, also | | | | used for a landscape or a garden scene. It is |
| known as kado —the "way of flowers". | | | | a style that can be enjoyed wherever it is |
| | | | displayed and can be adapted to both formal |
| In contrast to the decorative form of flower | | | | and informal situations. |
| arranging in western countries, the Japanese | | | | |
| flower arrangement creates a harmony of | | | | Modern ikebana dates from 1930 and goes by |
| linear construction, rhythm, and color. While | | | | the transliteration zen'ei ikebana or |
| westerners tend to emphasize the quantity and | | | | zen'eibana. This form of ikebana is more |
| colors of the flowers, devoting their | | | | expressive than the classic style. Along with |
| attention mainly to the beauty of the | | | | tea ceremony and calligraphy, ikebana was one |
| blossoms, the Japanese emphasize the linear | | | | of the arts in which women were traditionally |
| aspects of the arrangement. They have | | | | schooled in preparation for marriage. Today, |
| developed the art to include the vase, stems, | | | | flower arrangement is venerated as one of the |
| leaves, and branches, as well as the flowers. | | | | traditional arts in Japan. It is practiced on |
| The entire structure of a Japanese flower | | | | many occasions like ceremonies and parties, |
| arrangement is based on three main points | | | | and modern people are still choosing to study |
| that symbolize heaven, earth, and humankind. | | | | the art. |
| | | | |
| History | | | | Here are some more flowers and plants that |
| | | | attract positive chi: |
| Ikebana began as a kind of ritual flower | | | | |
| offering made in Buddhist temples in Japan | | | | Spider plant- with its long, cascading |
| during the sixth century. In these | | | | leaves, encourages calm and well-being. |
| arrangements, both the flowers and the | | | | |
| branches were made to point toward heaven as | | | | African violet- attracts recognition for your |
| an indication of faith. A more sophisticated | | | | work, fame and approval. |
| style of flower arrangement, called rikka | | | | |
| (standing flowers), appeared in the fifteenth | | | | Cyclamen- brings romance and passion to your |
| century. The rikka style reflects the | | | | life. |
| magnificence of nature and its display. For | | | | |
| example, pine branches symbolize rocks and | | | | Sunflower- stability and endurance. |
| stones, and white chrysanthemums symbolize a | | | | |
| river or small stream. The rikka style became | | | | Specific colours of flowers or particular |
| popular in the seventeenth century, used as a | | | | types of flowers are best placed in certain |
| decorative technique for ceremonial and | | | | locations for the optimum effect. Pink |
| festive occasions, though today it is | | | | flowers, for example are thought to be a good |
| regarded as an antiquated form of flower | | | | choice for the bedroom, since they encourage |
| arrangement and is rarely practiced. | | | | harmony and tenderness. Red tulips encourage |
| | | | romance. Lilies are good for balancing out |
| The most significant changes in the history | | | | active areas of the home. Orchids will |
| of ikebana took place during the fifteenth | | | | encourage harmony and peace after arguments. |
| century, when the Muromachi shogun Ashikaga | | | | Green round-leafed plants are especially good |
| Yoshimasa (1436–1490) ruled Japan. The | | | | in areas that have a lot of electronic |
| large buildings and small houses that | | | | equipment, such as a home theatre or home |
| Yoshimasa had built expressed his love for | | | | office. A wreath of flowers on the door |
| simplicity. These small houses contained | | | | provides protection, especially if reflective |
| tokonoma, where people could place objects of | | | | ribbons are included. |
| art and flower arrangements. It was during | | | | |
| this period that the rules of ikebana were | | | | If you are following the Pa Kua system, and |
| simplified so that people of all classes | | | | have divided your living space into areas, |
| could enjoy the art. | | | | here are some specific plants that are |
| | | | appropriate for the regions of your home: |
| Another major development took place in the | | | | |
| late sixteenth century. A more simple style | | | | Knowledge: lily |
| of flower arrangement called nageire (meaning | | | | |
| to throw in or fling in) appeared as part of | | | | Marriage: rose, lotus, orchid |
| the tea ceremony. According to this style, | | | | |
| flowers are arranged in a vase as naturally | | | | Parents: bamboo |
| as possible, no matter what materials are | | | | |
| used. Because of its association with the tea | | | | Friends: forget-me-not |
| ceremony, this style is also called cha-bana | | | | |
| ( literally "tea flowers"). | | | | Fame: sunflower, lily, red rose |
| | | | |
| In the 1890s, shortly after the Meiji | | | | In practising Feng Shui, it is best to stay |
| Restoration (a period of modernization and | | | | away from artificial or dried flowers, since |
| westernization in Japan), there developed a | | | | these symbolise decay or lifelessness. |
| new style of ikebana called moribana, or | | | | Instead, buy living plants and deadhead them |
| "piled-up flowers". This style appeared | | | | regularly, clearing away any dead stems or |
| partly due to the introduction of western | | | | flowers, or fill your home with fresh |
| flowers and partly due to the westernization | | | | flowers. This will encourage good energy flow |
| of Japanese living. The moribana style, which | | | | and give you a sense of balance and calmness. |