Cultural Demonstration: Engi no li Mono (Auspicious Items) in Ikebana for the New Year

Come celebrate the harmony of nature and Japanese tradition through the art of ikebana. Ikebana, the Japanese art of flower arranging, has been translated as “living flowers” or “the way of flowers.” Join us from 1:15-2:15pm for a New Year’s focused ikebana presentation on auspicious items in ikebana by Rumiko Fadden and David Komeiji of the Saga Goryu Ikebana North American Branch in the Jordan Schnitzer Japanese Arts Learning Center. In Japanese culture, the concept of “engi no ii mono” (縁起のいいもの) refers to items or symbols believed to bring good fortune, happiness, or positive outcomes. These items have deep cultural and spiritual significance and are often incorporated into seasonal traditions, festivals, and artistic expressions like ikebana. By incorporating these auspicious elements into an ikebana arrangement, we connect with traditional values and invite blessings into our lives.