What are the principles of flower arranging, and when did flower arranging arise in our country?

According to historical records currently available, flower arranging in our country originated during the Northern and Southern Dynasties period, flourished during the Tang and Song dynasties, and became widespread during the Ming and Qing dynasties. At present, flower arranging in our country can be traditionally divided into religious flower arranging, court flower arranging, literati flower arranging and folk flower arranging. Each type has a different style and a distinctly different form.

(1) Religious flower arranging: Religious flower arranging is solemn and dignified, and was the first to appear in historical records. The "Records of the Southern Dynasties" of the Six Dynasties period states: "There were those who offered lotus flowers to the Buddha; the monks filled bronze vessels with water and soaked the stems, wishing the flowers not to wither." Thereafter, flower arrangement patterns were painted in the Tang dynasty murals of the Dunhuang Grottoes. The Tang, Song and Ming dynasties all have records in both text and illustrations, such as the Ming dynasty "Complete Illustrated Romance of the Western Chamber," in which monastery vase offerings are depicted in several places. Religious flower arranging mainly uses lotus flowers and willow branches, is plain and dignified, and is not restricted by form.

(2) Court flower arranging: Court flower arranging is mainly characterized by magnificence, wealth and a strong decorative quality. It mostly uses splendid peonies as the main floral material. During the Ming and Qing periods, in addition to magnificence, wealth and enhancing the imposing grandeur of the palace, it had already begun to express artistic conception.

(3) Literati flower arranging: Literati flower arranging generally values sentiment and interest, does not seek magnificence, and does not care for ostentation. By the Ming and Qing periods, some people had already written complete and systematic monographs on flower arranging experience.

(4) Folk flower arranging: Folk flower arranging generally uses seasonal fresh flowers on festival days (such as the Spring Festival, Dragon Boat Festival, Mid-Autumn Festival, etc.) to add a lively and festive atmosphere.