How was the Cult of Flowers developed? What is this cult?

If to cut flowers is a sin, the flower master makes up for it with the intense care he gives to cultivating a plant. Eastern plant care is an ancient art and treasured custom, and from this tea-masters have developed what is called the Cult of Flowers. Tea-masters justify the cutting of flowers by viewing it as a sacrifice in the service of a great and noble idea or artistic expression. And so this "sacrifice" is honorable and done with great care. Flowers and trees are selected very carefully, down to the branch, and only as much is cut as is absolutely essential.