Bonsai in english
The art of growing miniature trees in containers originated over a millennium ago in China and Japan. Although they are often viewed as ornamental, bonsai carry deep meanings and symbolism that promote balance and harmony in the lives of those who cultivate them. They also align with spiritual movements like Zen Buddhism and embody the essence of natural beauty.
When first introduced in Japan more than 1,300 years ago, bonsai were considered status symbols and were only enjoyed by the elite members of society. However, their popularity began to spread after 1800 and they soon became a widely-enjoyed hobby amongst the general population.
While the word bonsai translates into “tree planted in a pot,” its roots actually originate from the Chinese term pun-sai (also known as penjing) and refers to a miniature landscape displayed in a decorative container. Bonsai differs from penjing in that it focuses on displaying a single tree rather than a complete landscape and utilizes pruning techniques to shape the plant into an artful replica of its full-grown form.
Today, the word bonsai has become a generic term used to describe all types of container grown plants, regardless of whether or not they adhere to strict pruning and training techniques that are unique to bonsai. To be truly bonsai, the trees must be created using techniques that mimic the way that trees grow in nature and must be able to retain their vigor over time.