© All rights reserved. May not be reproduced or distributed without express written permission from the author. Ikebana (生け花 or いけばな) means "arranged flower" (生ける, ike(ru), place, arrange; 花, bana/hana, , ikebana?, flower arrangement) is the Japanese art of flower arrangement, also known as kadō (華道, kadō?, flower arrangement) — the "way of flowers". In contrast to the decorative form of flower arranging in western countries, Japanese flower arrangement creates a harmony of linear construction, rhythm, and color; in themselves, decorative requirements. The Japanese emphasize the linear aspects of the arrangement. They have developed the art to include the vase, stems, leaves, and branches, as well as the flowers. The entire structure of a Japanese flower arrangement is based on three main points that symbolize heaven, earth, and man.