``Misho-ryu Sasaoka'' was founded in 1919 (Taisho XNUMX) and is known for devising a new ``Sasaoka style morika'' using Western flowers. The current headmaster, Ryuho Sasaoka, is attracting attention for his activities in a wide range of fields, including not only traditional flower arranging expressions, but also collaborations with other genres such as musicals and Kyogen. Mr. Sasaoka, who lives in Kyoto, talks about monthly flowers and Kyoto's special features for each month in a series called ``Monthly Flowers, Monthly Kyo'', and for January, ``Matsu'' and ``Hatsuike Ceremony''.

New Year's "Musubiyanagi" varies depending on the family.

The Iemoto residence has a tea room named ``Toka-tei.'' These are the New Year's decorations in the alcove of the tea room. When it comes to New Year's decorations for tea ceremonies, it is definitely ``Musubiyanagi''. You can see a round shape on one branch a little above the middle. The branches of other willows that are hanging down from this branch are tied loosely. The method of making a knotted willow differs from household to household. Some families bundle many branches together and tie them in a large knot, while others, like ours, tie just one branch. The idea of ​​decorating with willow rings comes from a Chinese legend. It is customary to make a willow ring and give it to a friend when departing on a journey, with the hope that they will return home safely. In connection with this, willows are decorated at the beginning of the new year, with the hope that everyone will be able to stay healthy this year and welcome another new year.

A single piece of bamboo is garnished with a white camellia, and a bell and incense container are placed under the willow. This is the tokonoma decoration of the Sasaoka family's tea room, which has never changed. There is a young pine tree in the front parlor, and a nebiki pine tree at the entrance. This is also a New Year's scene at our house that will never change. The gorgeous and cute-sounding name ``Momohanatei'' comes from the fact that the head of ``Mishoryu Sasaoka'' used the flower name ``Toryusai'' for generations.

"Decorative flowers" in the lobby of Kyoto Bank's main branch centering on pine, bamboo, and plum trees

Since my grandfather's time, I have also been in charge of the New Year's flower arrangement in the lobby on the first floor of the Kyoto Bank main branch. The opening day is January 1th every year, so it's customary to go on the 4rd. I use pine, bamboo, and plum blossoms as my base, and add other flower materials to create different works each year.However, as flower shops are closed during the New Year, I have my plans in place and have the flower materials ready before the end of the year holidays. I have to keep it.

This year, we acquired a large piece of bamboo with roots attached, and colored it silver to highlight its interesting form, which is reminiscent of a modern art object. The work was composed of pine, plum, camellia, Senryo, and Nanten. However, this would result in an even number of flowers, six, so I added a type of citrus called Bushukan, making the number seven.

The flower decorations in the lobby of the Kyoto Bank main branch, which are based on traditional pine, bamboo, and plum blossoms, but with a modern sensibility, are created every year with a different flavor, and are often seen by many people early in the new year. , I myself put a lot of effort into creating new works year after year.

Ikebana originated from the sacred view of pine trees.

The pine tree, which ranks at the top of the pine, chiku, and plum trees, is a tree that has been considered sacred since ancient times and is said to be the yorishiro of the gods. It is also a symbol of longevity. Japanese people cherish these pine trees, and not only worship them in the natural landscape, but also want to incorporate the fresh greenness of evergreens into their homes, and at the same time invite the gods into their homes. This feeling is one of the roots of ikebana. Therefore, pine is one of the most important flower materials for flower arrangers.

A young pine tree that can be used for New Year's alcoves, a dignified Nebiki pine tree... The pine tree is an essential plant for the New Year scenery in Kyoto.

At Miso-ryu Sasaoka, it is customary to hold the "Hatsuike Ceremony" on the second Sunday of January. (This year it was January 1th) The venue was a banquet hall at a hotel in Kyoto. First, the iemoto performs the first ceremony in front of the ``Monyo'' (Monyo Misho-ryu Sasaoka refers to those who belong to the school) who have gathered from all over the country. This work is based on the theme of the zodiac signs and the beginning of a song party. After that, the eight representatives from Monyo go to Wakamatsu, which is the process every year.

Matsunouchi (in Kyoto, it lasts until the 15th) comes soon after the "Hatsuike Ceremony" is over. The period from now until after Setsubun is the coldest period. Although the world is warming, there will still be days when we are shivering from the cold.