FLOWER CEREMONY 



as the rules observed in viewing flowers 

 are the most important and helpful in 

 making an arrangement, I give this portion 

 of the ceremony more fully than otherwise 

 I should have ventured to. 



After giving much time and attention 

 to admiring the flowers arranged by the 

 host, the guest is asked to make an ar- 

 rangement, but he asks to be excused, plead- 

 ing what is called a poor hand, meaning he 

 is not skilful. However, after repeated in- 

 vitations he volunteers to do the best he 

 is capable of, realizing it would be rude not 

 to conform to the desire of his host, even 

 in spite of his poor hand. The host then 

 acknowledges his kindness by a profound 

 bow, and brings forth a flower vase and 

 stand which are placed in the tokonoma, 

 also a beautiful lacquer tray on which are 

 the flower tools, a variety of kubari, or 

 supports, a kakin or white napkin which 

 must always be cut the proper size and 

 placed under the tools on the tray. Then 

 the "te-joro" or water pot is placed also 



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