Ikebana

SUPW – i.e. Socially Useful Productive Work, is an integral part of the school syllabi of South Mumbai’s premier girl’s school – The Walsingham House. The subject broadly resembles home science, as the students are taught cooking (the exotic variety) in the Eighth standard, flower arrangement in Ninth and the First Aid in the Tenth. Indeed, useful crafts to know.

Our daughter Milparinka showed little interest in the subject in Class eight, but we suddenly noticed a change of attitude this year, as she took some special liking for flowers. Her project partner Sheherezad, who tastefully chose most of the flowers, was a major influence in kindling Milparinka’s interest in the new art form.

The girls chose Ikebana – the Japanese art of flower arrangement for their class workshop. The tutor prescribed the use of gerbera flowers for the monsoon workshop. Gerberas are ubiquitously found with florists in Mumbai, where orange and yellow predominate. But Sheherezad and Milparinka team chose magenta colored flowers for their project. They attempted a minimalist slanting pattern and came out winners, securing an A + grade. That’s well done, girls.

About Ikebana
Ikebana is more than simply putting flowers in a container. It is a disciplined Japanese art form in which nature and humanity are brought together. The beauty of each arrangement is the result of its color combinations, natural shapes and graceful lines. The structure of the Japanese flower arrangement is based on the concept of a triangle, signifying heaven, earth and man or the sun, the moon and the earth.

The first classical styles of Ikebana started in the middle of the 15th century. However, the origin of Ikebana can be traced to the 6th century when Buddhism was introduced to Japan. The offering of flowers on the altar in honor of Buddha was part of the worship. This, the first students and teachers of Ikebana were Buddhist priests and members. As time passed, other schools emerged, styles changed, and Ikebana became a custom among the Japanese society.

The Japanese appreciate natural beauty to such an extent that it amounts almost to a religion. Even living in urban complexes and high towers of the city, the Japanese always have the strong desire to have a bit of nature near them. Ikebana is one such thing which helps in putting nature in the drawing room or the bed room.