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Entity explores how flower arranging is a healthy art form.

When you hear the word “art,” what comes to mind? Paintings from Vincent Van Gogh? Awe-inspiring sculptures from Michelangelo? What about modern – and classic black and white – photography of the world? Whatever style pops into your head, flower arranging probably isn’t included – but it should be. Here is everything you should know and about Ikebana, or the ancient art of Japanese flower arranging.

What is it?

Ikebana isn’t your grandma’s flower arrangements. Rather than simply styling an elegant vase of flowers to decorate the dinner table, Ikebana focuses on the spiritual and meditative side of flower arrangement. As FTD Fresh explains, Ikebana especially values silence and space, which isn’t intended to be filled, but celebrated through the flower arrangements.

Ikebana also emphasizes minimalism, balance and creating a link between the indoors and outdoors (rather than merely placing a piece of nature in your house). In a way, Ikebana embraces the process of designing flower arrangements rather than the typical American perspective of enjoying the beauty of flowers only after they’ve been arranged.

When did it start?

Now, let’s take a trip back to history class…though it’s unlikely that you’ve ever had a history class covering this cultural art style! According to Japan Zone, over three thousand different forms of Ikebana exist, but the oldest emerged in the 15th century when a Buddhist priest called Ikenobo Senkei created the school of Ikenobo, which emphasized the rikka (or standing flowers) style. Rikka features seven branches that represent hills, waterfalls, valleys and other sources of natural beauty in the world.

The first modern form of Ikebana appeared in the 19th century when Ohara Unshin broke away from Ikenobo and began using moribana (or piled-up flowers) in a shallow, flat container. Since then, several other styles have emerged, including jiyuka (free-style) and zen-eibana, which features avant-garde materials like plaster, plastic and steel.

Who does it?

Who are the characters behind the scenes – or, in this case, flowers and leaves – that are keeping Ikebana alive today? According to Ikebana International, participants include men and women of all ages. In fact, Ikebana was once considered an appropriate pastime for honored samurais to enjoy! Today, more men than women dominate flower arranging as a career, but you don’t need to be an expert to enjoy Ikebana. As long as you have some free time and determination, you can explore the entertaining and spiritual side of arranging flowers for yourself!

What does it use?

Imagine a typical flower arrangement that you see in the store and ask yourself, “What does it use?” Most likely flowers and maybe a few leaves. With Ikebana, however, seedpods are considered just as beautiful as freshly bloomed flowers.

While the exact material used in Ikebana can vary depending on the style and school, they all have a few ingredients in common. The flower arrangements mainly utilize plant material such as branches, leaves, grasses, moss, fruit and flowers. Compared to traditional “flower arrangements,” Ikebana demands a greater sense of harmony between the materials, vase/bowl and the setting.

Why do it?

Need a way to wind down after a busy day that doesn’t involve sweating in a hot yoga class or hitting local bars with friends? Ikebana offers a relaxing solution to deal with life’s stresses! According to Ikebana International, practicing flower arranging with the Ikebana mindset can let you enjoy the moment and appreciate small aspects of the natural world you might not ordinarily notice. Ikebana can also trigger personal growth by training you to be more patient, more tolerant of differences and more capable of seeing beauty in diversity. The bottom line? By the time you’re ready to show off your flowery piece of art, you can also show off a more positive, peaceful attitude toward life!

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