Much more than the warming blooms and enchanting scents, the ancient Japanese art of flower arrangement is definitely something worth embracing. The practice of Ikebana is quite simple but has a huge and positive impact on the practitioners who live by its principles. Ikebana means “the way of flowers, the way of life, uniting nature and humanity through the creative possibilities bestowed by flowers.
The Art of Ikebana
The basic idea of the art is the arrangement of flowers using leaves, branches, and flowers. The flowers are arranged asymmetrically, following the rules pertaining to the different schools and philosophies of Ikebana. The practice emerged in the sixth century, when China brought Buddhism to Japan. The flowers were first put together as presents for Buddha. Through the centuries, Ikebana has been modified, the art and rules perfected. There are hundreds of Ikebana schools across the continents today.
This is an art gifted by nature in its purest form. Branches pruned, leaves cut, stems trimmed to achieve a precise size, natural colours put together, all in harmony, filling the air with enchanting scents. Ikebana is all about awareness and connection to nature, creativity, aesthetics, and discipline. Awareness of nature helps to cultivate mindfulness, and spending quality time with nature is therapeutic and healing.
Embrace The Way of The Flowers
Generally, flowers are special and quite symbolic. It’s a gesture of affection between lovers; it’s what you give to an ailing friend, and it’s also used at funerals. Ikebana recognises the symbolic nature and sacredness of flowers. The process of floral arrangement is an opportunity for meditation, creative expression, and connection to the earth.
To adopt the principles of Ikebana is to start to live with serenity, purpose, and meaningfulness. Even if you do not enrol in a Japanese floral arrangement school, here are the principles and how they benefit the human soul.
Minimalism
Unlike the western style, where the bouquet is packed full, the Japanese floral arrangement seeks to achieve more by using less, and this does not reduce the quality of the art. It is a principle we could adopt from time to time with talent and resources. If we reach within, we will find that we sometimes underestimate ourselves. There’s a lot to achieve with the little we think we have.
Silence
Ikebana is done in silence because it’s a time of intimacy with nature. It’s a time to listen to your own thoughts and practice mindfulness. It’s not just a session of floral arrangement; it’s a time to explore creativity. Silence is itself an art. In silence, ideas are birthed.
Form
Despite the fact that Ikebana is guided by styles and certain guidelines, there is no stipulation on the form it should take. It encourages you to let nature lead. You, as a part of nature, should listen to yourself. Listen to the plant. Embrace nature; it’s all around you.
Humanity
Humanity is key in Ikebana. Art is created through flowers, reflecting human emotions. Loss of touch with humanity puts us on the verge of animalistic tendencies. Stay up to date on the newest in the world of Fashion, Arts, Beauty and Lifestyle; Follow FAB on Instagram.
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