Bonsai, or the growing of miniature trees in pots, is a Japanese art form. It evolved from the traditional Chinese art form of penjing. Initially, bonsai was created as a way of exhibiting the beauty of plants. Today, it has become a popular hobby among homeowners and gardeners.
The Japanese word for bonsai is “bon-ssai” – “bon-sa-yai”. The word means “tree tray”, and is also a synonym for “planting seedling.” However, in Japanese, bonsai can also refer to someone with average talent or skills. Because of the many homonyms in the language, the word bonsai can also refer to the devil, though the concept of evil did not exist until the introduction of christianity to Japan.
The term “bonsai” is a Japanese loanword from the Chinese term “penzai,” which has become an umbrella term for many types of miniature plants and living things. The term is most commonly used to refer to miniature trees in containers. However, it may also refer to any living thing grown in a container.
A bonsai tree must convey balance or the illusion of balance. This balance is achieved by cultivating its forms in such a way as to give the impression that all elements are equal in weight. In this way, a successful bonsai design will invoke reverence for balance in life.