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Ikebana
The word ikebana means "to give life to flowers" and thus the purpose of Japanese flower arrangement is to arrange cut flowers and grasses in a way which artistically recreates their natural setting. The art of flower arrangement was originally introduced to Japan from China and the peak of refinement was reached in the early 15th century. Many schools, old and relatively new, perpetuate this tradition today and ikebana is an essential accomplishment for the well-educated Japanese bride.
The oldest school is that of lkenobo, which traces its history back to the 7th century. In this school, arrangements fall into two categories : rikka (standing flowers) and nageire (thrown-in flowers, applied to arrangements in tall vases). It was from the rikka style that the most basic elements of the art were drawn, the triangle of three branches: shin (up-standing), soe (supporting) and nagashi (flowing).