In Japanese culture, the second oldest official history, the Nihon Shoki or The Chronicles of Japan states that “all plants can speak.” This designation of human attributes to natural objects demonstrates the intimate bond felt between mankind and nature. Ancient Japanese saw elements of the divine in all elements of nature, and prior to the introduction of temple architecture, the Japanese used flowers and plants to summon and welcome a god or gods in a ceremony known as kami-mukae (god-welcoming.) Japanese flower arranging is an art and a discipline which brings together nature and humanity. The word ‘Ikebana’ loosely translated means “giving life to flowers.” I am neither a practitioner nor well versed in this ancient art. I only know that a standing flower placed in a delicate balance in my home enlivens my deep connection with the greater whole in nature. Japanese artist, Toshiro Kawase, calls this “the universe in a single flower.” (Source: Toshiro Kawase, Inspired Flower Arrangements)
Standing Flower © Yvonne Cornell, 2013
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