Ikebana Event Class Reflection
Some courses always provide us with the opportunity to move away from the boredom of a classroom to interactive sessions with other like-minded individuals. For this course, I had the opportunity to attend an Ikebana event where I learned many things. This paper outlines some of the concepts and ideas that I learned during the Ikebana Event.
Primarily, I learned about the meaning of Ikebana. From the lessons, I learned that Ikebana derives from two words Ike and Hana(bana). Ike means to make alive or to live. On the other hand, Hana(bana) means flowers or plants. Therefore, Ikebana is s a term that is widely used in reference to the art of making flowers. Frome these definitions and interpretations, it is clear that the event was meant to teach people about how to make flowers.
Furthermore, I learned about the origins or the history of the Ikebana. I learned that the history of the Ikebana was similar to the history of Ikenobo. Specifically, I learned that Ikebana started with the Ikenobo over 550 years ago. With time, many other schools or models of Ikenobo emerged. Ideally, researchers suggest that Ikebana was an offshoot of Ikenobo. The history is of the Ikenobo is very elaborate and in comprises of the traditional and the contemporary aspects. The two aspects interact perpetually to contribute to the development of the contemporary Ikebana. People from different epochs have always liked flowers; however, individuals that lived during the Ikebana deeply felt that not only were flower beautiful, but they also reflected feeling and emotions in their hearts as well as the passing of time. They firmly believed that when people sense the plant’s silent movement and the unspoken words, they intensify their impressions through form, which gradually becomes Ikebana.
Furthermore, I also learned about the historical development of Ikenobo as well as some of the stages involved. Specifically, some of the states include Japanese appreciation for nature, Tetehana, Rikka, Jiyuka, and Shoka shimputai.
I also learned about the different materials that can be used to make flowers and they include grass materials, Hamoono (leaves) Tree materials, and Tsuyomono(inbetween tree and grass. Indeed, I was thrilled by the simplicity of the materials used for Ikebana. On the other hand, some of the tools that one needs to create a great Ikebana are a pair of shears for cutting the various materials and a Kenzan that is used to hold the materials. Some of the tools that can be used to create Ikebanas include a tape, knife, Kenzan, Oasis, scissors, and wire. All these tools have various uses in the process of creating an Ikebana. Once the Ikebana has been created, they can be placed in a vase made of a material such as glass, ceramic, bronze, and bamboo, among others. I also learned that before some of the materials are used to create an Ikebana, they have to be treated. The treatment process is outlined below.
Pour some water on the cut section of the material
Crush the ends of the stem
Burn the ends of the stem
Soak the steam in hot water
Treat the stem with chemicals
In sum, the event was remarkable and fascinating. I learned about the history of the Ikebana, how to create it, the materials used, and the seasoning process. I would definitely look forward to another Ikebana event so that I can gain more information about the flower making process. Indeed, I recommend such events to any other individual who is interested in the Ikebana.
