LIVING FLOWERS

kebana, which literally means "living flowers", and refers to the Japanese way of arranging flowers for aesthetic enjoyment, is a special part of Japan's traditional culture.

Ikebana grew out of the religious sentiments of the earliest Japanese who attributed a spiritual role to all things in nature - rocks, trees, water, flowers, etc. Flowers were first placed on altars as offerings to deities. This led to arrangement of flowers in artistic creations meant to evoke pleasurable feelings.

By the 8th century, flowers - often in combination with poetry - were a significant part of the aesthetic life of upper class Japanese. By the 16th century, ikebana exhibitions and contests had become institutionalized in Japanese culture. Ikebana masters were leading members of Japanese society, patronized by the Imperial Court, wealthy merchants, and samurai families.

During this era the influence of the Tea Ceremony and ikebana masters contributed to the introduction of a new kind of interior decoration and architecture, which included reed-mat floors and an alcove, that featured a hanging scroll and a flower arrangement attuned to the season. This resulted in ikebana becoming an intimate part of the lives of all Japanese.

Using flowers to commune with beauty and the spiritual side of nature remains one of the most appealing facets of Japanese culture, and continues to grow in popularity around the world.

- Boye Lafayette De Mente