The new virtual Ikebana art exhibition of the Ikebana Bundesverband (IBV) on the theme 'Wilhelm Busch' is online. Once again this year, the IBV called on its members to create an ikebana on a given theme. This year's theme: the poet and illustrator Wilhelm Busch. The invitation “Choose your favorite piece or favorite motif from the literary works of Wilhelm Busch and arrange an ikebana around it” was enthusiastically implemented by many Kadokas and there were many submissions of various texts or poems.
Wilhelm Busch (1832-1908) was a German poet, illustrator and painter who became known primarily as a humorous storyteller and creator of illustrated stories. His best-known works, including “Max and Moritz”, are among the first modern comics and are known for their sharp-witted humor and satirical social criticism. With his pointed and often moralistic verses, Busch succeeded in portraying people's weaknesses and idiosyncrasies in a humorous and accurate way. In addition to his paintings, he wrote numerous poems and short stories that are still considered classics of German literature today.
So beforehand, we had to read through various stories and poems. But Wilhelm Busch had his very own sense of humor and many stories show - let's say - the not so unifying character of the human soul. But there are indeed some melancholy or friendly poems to be found and the poem entitled “Don't be too sad" has a special charm - especially as autumn is just around the corner.
The entire text of the poem:
Don't be too sad for me,
That the beautiful time is fleeing,
That the wave cool and scary
Draws us into its eddies;
That the heart's sweet impulse,
That love's delight,
That heavenly movement,
Must go to rest.
Let us love, let us sing, let us drink,
And we don't give a damn about time;
Even a gentle wink
Twitches through all eternity.
Source: Critique of the Heart In: Historisch-kritische Gesamtausgabe in vier Bänden. Volume 2, p. 523
As the protagonist, cosmea - a flower that stands for harmony and tranquillity in plant symbolism and blooms until the first frost - expresses the melancholy, but also the joy that resonates in this poem very well. It defies adverse autumn storms and keeps its cheerful face until the frost, bringing much joy to both the animal world and us humans until the arrival of winter.
The complete exhibition of the IBV on the theme 'Wilhelm Busch' can be seen here:
Ikebana to texts by Wilhelm Busch
Cosmea, also known as Cosmos bipinnatus, is a popular ornamental plant from the Asteraceae family. It originates from Central and South America, particularly Mexico. Cosmeas are characterized by their delicate, fern-like leaves and large, bright flowers, which often shine in white, pink, purple and, more rarely, an intense red. Cosmeas are annuals and usually grow between 50 and 150 cm tall. Their flowers reach a diameter of 5 to 10 cm and bloom from June until the first frost. They are easy to care for and thrive best in sunny locations with well-drained soil.
Cosmea flowers are not only visually appealing, but also extremely useful for wildlife. They attract bees, butterflies and other pollinating insects that feed on the nectar and pollen of the plants. This characteristic makes cosmos particularly valuable for the preservation of biodiversity. Because of their long stems and expressive flowers, they are often used as cut flowers and last for several days in a vase.
Cosmeas are a real eye-catcher in any garden or flowering strip and an ecologically valuable enrichment that attracts people and insects alike with their colorfulness and flower shape.
