Page:Japanese flower arrangement.djvu/44

 Just the opposite from our points of direction, for the reason that the Japanese put themselves in the place of the vase.

They give an expression of the seasons in their floral arrangements, grouping the flowers differently according to the time of the year. For example, in the month of March, when high winds prevail, the unusual curves of the branches convey at once the impression of strong winds. In summer the Japanese rejoice in the low, broad receptacles, where the water predominating produces a cooler and more refreshing arrangement than those in upright vases.

There is no occasion which cannot be suggested by the manner in which the flowers are arranged.

It might seem strange to us to have our departure from home announced by an unusual arrangement of flowers. Yet hundreds of ordinary occurrences are heralded by charming flower compositions. So many Japanese poets have sung of the willow, comparing its very long branches with long [38]