The Lure of Ikebana

CEBU, Philippines - However stylized or fashion-dictated one’s taste in flowers becomes, the appeal of a simple collection of blossoms displayed in a rudimentary vase remains irresistible. And nowhere is this simplicity more clearly demonstrated than in the distinct art of flower arrangement in Japanese culture that is known the world over as Ikebana.

Ikebana is a disciplined art form in which nature and humanity are brought together. From the beginning of their ancient nature worship Shinto, the Japanese have tended to distill universal elements into basic trinities. They begun to use three elements to signify the relationship between man and nature. The structure is based on a scalene triangle delineated by three main points, usually twigs, considered in some schools to symbolize heaven, earth and man and in others sun, moon, love and earth.

Contrary to the idea of floral arrangement as a collection of multicolored blooms, Ikebana often emphasizes other areas of the plant, such as its stems and leaves, and draws towards natural shapes, graceful lines and form.

Another aspect present in Ikebana is its employment of minimalism. That is, an arrangement may consist of only a few number of flowers interspersed among stalks and leaves.

In Cebu a group of nature-loving ladies all members of the Ikebana International Cebu Chapter meet each month to provide a regular forum for members to study Ikebana, hold exhibitions, learn about other aspects of Japanese culture and observe Ikebana experts demonstrating their skill at Ikebana arrangement.

Recently, the ladies led by Ikebana International Cebu chapter president Margie Sy and Ikenobo president Mariter Klepp   presented a mini exhibit at the lobby of the Montebello Villa Hotel with Honorary Spanish Consul Jaime Picornell and Julie Gandionco as guests of honor. Each one proudly showcased different variations and styles of flower arrangements.

While most people think Ikebana is for the elite which at one time it was, the early practitioners of this ancient Japanese art were priests. Like other Japanese arts, it follows strict rules because the purpose is not just to produce a thing of beauty but to transform the artist as well - to instill wisdom, humility and patience making her a better person.

With practice you will be able to create an arrangement to fit any occasion and chances are you will find working with blossoms and branches so intriguing that the flower-arranging mood will strike you often. For unlike tending a fussy house plant, arranging cut flowers that demand but a short-term commitment, it is a means of showing beautiful flowers to their most beautiful advantage.