Japanese Flower Arranging in Panama: Ikebana

On October 20 the Panama chapter of the Ikebana International Association will hold a tea, Ikebana exhibition, and fashion show  in Punta Pacifica. The Japanese art of flower arranging know as Ikebana, or “kado,” the way of flowers, teaches non symmetric, minimalistic arrangements of flowers, stems, and leaves. The Panama chapter is open to new members. The three year old chapter is a social association which holds flower arranging workshops and other artistic events throughout the year.Dates and locations for workshops are posted in events section. The group is bilingual although the official language of Ikebana is English.

Ikebana dates back to the introduction of Buddhism to Japan in 538 AD when monks practiced arranging flowers. Twelve hundred years ago aristocrats in Japan practiced minimalistic flower arranging and during the Kamakura period (1192-1333) Samurai, the elite warrior class, practiced the art. Five hundred years ago a monk, Ikenobo Sengyo helped formalize the art and training of Ikebana and is often, mistakenly, given credit for starting the art form.

The motto of Ikebana International is “Friendship through flowers.” The international association has chapters in 60 countries, including number 257 in Panama. The association motto is, “Friendship through Flowers.” Its official language is English and its logo is a cherry blossom. It was in 1956 that a North American living in Tokyo, Mrs. Ellen Gordon Allen, founded the Ikebana International Association with the intent of bringing people of all nations together through flowers.

For information about Ikebana as well as the address and a map for the October 20th exhibition call Pilar at 6672-8815 or email pilarpila@yahoo.com. Panama Ikebana requests a $10 donation from members and $12 from non members for the October 20th event.