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Saturday, October 29, 2005
Ikebana, a way to a healthy lifestyle
By Abigail Chee Kee-Malalis
IKEBANA (Japanese literally "living flowers") is the Japanese art of flower arrangement, also known as "kado" -- the "way of flowers."
In contrast to the decorative form of flower arranging in western countries, the Japanese flower arrangement creates a harmony of linear construction, rhythm, and color. While westerners tend to emphasize the quantity and colors of the flowers, devoting their attention mainly to the beauty of the blossoms, the Japanese emphasize the linear aspects of the arrangement.
They have developed the art to include the vase, stems, leaves and branches, as well as the flowers. The entire structure of a Japanese flower arrangement is based on three main points that symbolize heaven, earth, and humankind.
History
Ikebana began as a kind of ritual flower offering made in Buddhist temples during the sixth century. In these arrangements, both the flowers and the branches were made to point toward heaven as an indication of faith. A more sophisticated style of flower arrangement, called rikka (standing flowers), appeared in the fifteenth century. The rikka style reflects the magnificence of nature and its display. For example, pine branches symbolize rocks and stones, and white chrysanthemums symbolize a river or small stream. The rikka style became popular in the seventeenth century, used as a decorative technique for ceremonial and festive occasions, though today it is regarded as an antiquated form of flower arrangement and is rarely practiced.
The most significant changes in the history of ikebana took place during the fifteenth century, when the Muromachi shogun Ashikaga Yoshimasa (1436-1490) ruled Japan. The large buildings and small houses that Yoshimasa had built expressed his love for simplicity. These small houses contained a tokonoma, or alcove, where people could place objects of art and flower arrangements. It was during this period that the rules of ikebana were simplified so that people of all classes could enjoy the art.
Another major development took place in the late sixteenth century. A more simple style of flower arrangement called nageire (meaning to throw in or fling in) appeared as part of the tea ceremony. According to this style, flowers are arranged in a vase as naturally as possible, no matter what materials are used. Because of its association with the tea ceremony, this style is also called cha-bana (literally "tea flowers").
In the 1890s, shortly after the Meiji Restoration (a period of modernization and westernization in Japan), there developed a new style of ikebana called moribana, or "piled-up flowers." This style appeared partly due to the introduction of western flowers and partly due to the westernization of Japanese living. The moribana style, which created a new freedom in flower arranging, is used for a landscape or a garden scene. It is a style that can be enjoyed wherever it is displayed and can be adapted to both formal and informal situations.
Modern ikebana dates from 1930 and goes by the transliteration zen'ei ikebana or zen'eibana. This form of ikebana is more expressive than the classic style. Along with tea ceremony and calligraphy, ikebana was one of the arts in which women were traditionally schooled in preparation for marriage. Today, flower arrangement is venerated as one of the traditional arts in Japan. It is practiced on many occasions like ceremonies and parties, and modern people are still choosing to study the art.
Ikebana is also the art of association of ideas and impressions of nature expressed through flowers. In Ikebana the elegance of a branch conveys the change of the seasons. A single flower symbolizes nature. Bamboo symbolizes integrity since it doesn't bend. The Amur Adoni represents good luck. The evergreen pine suggests the abode of a deity.
Rikka, Shoka and Freestyle
The original school of Ikebana is Ikenobo. Other schools have emerged since its beginning over 500 years ago, yet Ikenobo, merging traditional styles with creative interpretations is often called "the soul of Ikebana." In the 16th century the "rikka" style using contrasting but complementary materials arranged in a single vase to express the beauty of a natural landscape was developed. This was followed by "shoka," a simple style in the 18th century that integrated three main branches that form a unity to express life's perpetual change and renewal. "Free style" is the most recent in Ikenobo's long tradition and uses plant materials in new individualistic ways. "The Ikenobo school considers a flower's bud the most beautiful, for within the bud is the energy of life's opening toward the future" states Sen'ei Ikenobo, the 45th headmaster of Ikenobo in Japan.
In Cagayan de Oro, Ikebana International was conceived under Elsa Pelaez in 1972. It is the 4th chapter the Philippines ever have. Three other chapters are in Manila, Cebu and Davao. Today, after 33 years of existence here in Cagayan de Oro, Ikebana International Chapter 163 still holds its workshops and flower arrangement exhibition in hotels, expositions, and lecture demos to those interested individuals. Just recently, Ikebana International Chapter 163 proudly joins the successfully held KUMBIRA 2005 at the Atrium of Limketkai Complex. The organization now has 23 members who gladly shares different insights.
Bing Elloso, Ikebana International Chapter 163 president said, "It does not always follow that you have to be knowledgeable in flower arrangement, because it can be learned. What is important is that you have the passion to do it. It is one way of releasing any stressful feelings."
"The organization is also an outlet for us, members, to unwind and meet with other friends," she added. (With excerpts from Wikipedia)
(October 29, 2005 issue)
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