Evolution of Flower Symbolism in Japan: An Amplified Significance in Japanese Civilization through Manipulations

Abstract

Flowers are an important element of nature, especially in expressing a sense of fragility and impermanence. As peoples appreciation of the beauty of flowers rise, different forms of floral arranging appeared around the world. Japanese people have long-valued Ikebana, the traditional Japanese floral arranging art from aspects not merely observing its beauty. In this work, Ikebanas functions as media to express sentiments, to assist Zen Buddhism practice which helps practitioners to achieve inner peace, and to reveal gender-related problems throughout history are being explored and analyzed. Ikebana is widely related to many areas of Japan, and with its importance in Japanese history, popular culture, and religion, its symbolistic value can be extended further.