Page:Japanese flower arrangement.djvu/45

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THEORY OF FLOWER ARRANGEMENT

life, happy married life, etc., that it is frequently used for many celebrations and is a great favorite for an arrangement made at parting, the length of branch insuring a safe return from the longest journey, especially if one branch is made to form a complete circle.

For a house-warming white flowers are used, as they suggest water to quench a fire; fire being their constant dread, as in the construction of many houses everything but the roof is inflammable. Red flowers suggest fire, so should be avoided on such occasions. To celebrate an inheritance all kinds of evergreens or chrysanthemums may be used, any flowers which are long-lived, to convey the idea that the wealth or possessions may remain forever with you.

There are appropriate arrangements for all felicitous occasions, as well as for sad ones. An offering at death should be of white flowers, with some dead leaves and branches, so arranged as to express peace. All gifts of flowers must be in bud, so that

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