Japanese Water Gardens in Japanese Culture
Japanese water gardens demonstrate a fair portion of Japanese culture and ideas. These gardens represent ideals of serenity and balance, among other principles prevalent within Japan. This task is accomplished by the careful use of several elements. Does this Spark an idea?
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Water
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Many water gardens use koi ponds as their water source. Every Japanese water garden needs a water source, whether it be a small stream, pond or waterfall. Even waterless gardens in Japan typically use another object, such as sand, to symbolize water. The garden's water element represents serenity and the inevitable passing of time.
Rocks
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Rocks add structure and pathways to the Japanese water garden. Rocks provide structure for the rest of the water garden. Gardeners design pathways using stones, and these pathways represent a person's life journey. Additionally, rocks symbolize strength and perseverance, often giving the appearance of stabilized structure to the otherwise freely moving water at the garden's center.
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Light
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Traditional lanterns often light up Japanese water gardens. Traditional Japanese lanterns reflect against the water source in the garden. Other lights, such as pond and waterfall lights, create a glow effect with the water. Light does not necessarily hold specific symbolism within the Japanese water garden, but it emphasizes the garden's other features.
Bridges
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Bridges cross over the water to demonstrate an individual crossing through time. Bridges cross over the water source in many Japanese gardens. These bridges typically symbolize an individual's journey through time and the movement of life from one world into the next.
Plants
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The Japanese culture often uses water lilies for these gardens. Plants accent the water and other elements of the water garden instead of becoming the focus of the garden. Native Japanese trees weave their way through the garden, and moss often covers the stones. The presence of flowers used—water lilies, for example—typically is dependent upon the water source. Japanese gardeners rely on specific plant meanings for symbolism, or simply use native plants to signify the passing of seasons.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit Autumn. Japanese Garden image by Sergey Romanov from Fotolia.com koi pond image by MPH from Fotolia.com japanese tea garden waterfall image by Richard Paul from Fotolia.com Japanese lantern image by Ivonne Wierink from Fotolia.com japanese garden image by Rosemary Robenn from Fotolia.com Water lily image by Talya from Fotolia.com
