Festival of Flowers XVI - Serendipity

The Shi-en Ikebana and Floral Art Society of Sri Lanka, the leading promoter of floral art and design will be holding their annual exhibition on May 3 and 4, 2009 at the Lower Crystal Room of the Taj Samudra Hotel from 10.30 a.m. to 7.00 p.m. Demonstrations in the art of Ikebana and Western flower arranging will be held at 5.30 p.m. on Sunday, May 3 and Monday, May 4.

Serendipity is the effect by which one accidentally discovers something fortunate or delightful, especially while looking for something else. The term was coined by English writer Horace Walpole in 1754, in a letter written to a friend.

He credited it to a “Silly Fairly Tale” he once read called The Three Princes of Serendip. According to the fairy tale, three Persian Princes sailed off to make their fortunes in the “Land of Silk”, an island called Serendip (known today as Sri Lanka). Along the way, the princes made all types of wondrous and delightful discoveries about the island and learned things they never expected.

This exhibition titled Serendipity will have on display arrangements in the Japanese Ikebana and Western style.

Accessories used will be ethnic like pottery, mats, spices and the many diverse plant material which is found in this beautiful island. Members are preparing their exhibits with great enthusiasm. For those who visit the exhibition, Serendipity promises to be a treat for the senses, and discovering new and exciting ways of floral arranging. The Society was formed in 1991 to promote the art of flower arranging both Ikebana and Western as a hobby in Sri Lanka. They have held many successful exhibitions in the past and most of the proceeds from their exhibitions have been donated to worthy causes.

The equipment purchased from the proceeds of Serendipity will be donated to the Thalass taemia Unit of the General Hospital, Badulla.