Ikebana (Flower Arrangement)
Ikebana is a form of flower arrangement that puts much emphasis on the stems and leaves. There are a minimal amount of blooms in the arrangement. The point is to draw attention to the shape, form, and line of the piece. Ikebana (生け花) uses the kanji from 生ける, which means living and 花 for flower. Together it translates to living flower. There are many different styles to use, but the common ones are rikka (standing flowers), seika or shoka (living flowers), nageire (flung flowers) and moribana (piled up flowers). The container of the ikebana is very important as it will decide the style you will use. When practicing ikebana you are to be silent and patient because you are supposed to enjoy nature and bask in it rather than rush it. It is a discipline that teaches you to take your time and look around.