Labor Day Japanese Festival at Missouri Botanical Garden
The Japanese Garden, or Seiwa-en, means “Garden of pure, clear harmony and peace.” The garden covers 14 acres including a 4 acre lake. Seiwa-en incorporates many principles of Japanese aesthetics including those of Zen Buddhism, such as suggestion, naturalness, and asymmetry.
In the center of the garden is the lake. Around the lake are trails or dry gravel gardens. The gravel is actually imported from a river in Arkansas and is known for its whiteness and oval shape. Caretakers routinely rake the gravel, making it look like wind that has rippled the surface of a body of water. In the center of the lake is a small “farm hut” teahouse. The teahouse was built in Japan and carefully reassembled here. It is a sacred sit that has been blessed by Shinto ritual and is only open to the public once a year during the festival. If you plan on attending the tea ceremony that is held inside, check for times at the park and arrive early, the lines are really long.
The theme of this year’s festival was in honor of the Kanzo, or daylily. These flowers grow wild in Japan just like they do in the United States. They are known for their blooms which last only a day or so before closing and falling off. The climate in most of Japan is very similar to that of St. Louis. There this part of the summer is called hizakari, or “heat at its most intense.” When many other flower blossoms are fading or drooping, the Kanzo are still tall and bright.
The festival opens each year at 11a.m. with the ritual of kagamiwari-the breaking into the sake barrel. Visitors can purchase small, wooden sake cups and take the traditional salute to the opening of the ceremonies. Several guest speakers were featured, including the mayor of St, Louis and the county executive.
There are plenty of activities to keep the whole family busy for the day, or maybe even the whole weekend. Here are but a few:
Anime: Held in the auditorium, this year’s feature highlights Osamu Tezuka’s Metropolis. Set in a futuristic city, this animated feature examines the power of technology, society and destiny.
Bon Odori: (Festival Summer Dancing) The dancing is inspired by the Buddhist festival of Obon, which celebrates the return to Earth of the spirits of the dead.
Bonsai: Bonsai is the art of growing plants and trees on a much smaller scale than if they had been left alone in the wild. The tiny trees aren’t a special species, but rather full size trees whose growth has been stunted. This is done by reducing the amount of water and soil and tying them into a certain shape.
Calligraphy: Calligraphy is a creative art which expresses spiritual depth and beauty by drawing Kanji characters using a brush and ink.
Ikebana: Ikebana literally means “living flowers” and originated in the 13th century by Buddhist priests. It is one of the six arts of ancient Japan. By arranging the flowers into unique and beautiful forms, the artist seeks to get closer to natureâÂ?¦and himself.
Koryu Bugei: Classical Martial Arts. Combative disciplines that date back to the feudal period of Japan. These “Koryu” were taught in traditional schools called “Ryu.” There were several thousand ryu existing during Japan’s history, but with the abolishment of feudalism in the late 19th century, the majority of these died out. Today, there are only about 300 remaining in Japan and even fewer outside of the country.
Taiko: (Japanese Drums) Japanese drums were beaten to fool the invading armies that there was a sizable opposition on the march. The martial arts-style drumming has long been a popular attraction at the festival.
Sumo: 2005 was the very first time that Sumo presentations have been featured at the festival. Sumo is a Japanese kind of wrestling and is the national sport of Japan.
A few tips to make your festival experience more enjoyable. Arrive early. The crowds are getting bigger and bigger every year. The garden had expanded its parking with the addition of three auxiliary lots, but even these fill up quickly. Wear comfortable shoes, there is a lot of walking involved if you want to see all of the sights and take in all of the activities. Wear cool clothing, it’s hot, very hot in St. Louis this time of the year. And bring plenty of water. There are some fountains scattered around the garden and you can buy bottled water, but the lines are long and they are three bucks each! Better to bring your own bottle and refill it at the water fountains. If you are in the mood for Japanese food, there is a food court with a pretty good selection, but be prepared to wait, the lines are long, and the few picnic tables are quickly snatched up. Do get the three day pass, especially if you are from out of town, there’s just to much to see and do.
If you have the time and don’t hurry through it, the St. Louis Japanese Festival is a great way to find out more about the ancient and modern ways of Japan.
