Everyone who has ever read about Japan; or has ever been there can attest that it is a very traditional country. There are so many traditions that are rooted at the very heart of the Japanese culture. In fact, every prefecture and city in Japan seems to carry its own sets of tradition. These traditions are, often times, inescapable and serves as a rite of passage for Japanese and foreigners alike. From wearing a Summer Kimono, to preparing and eating traditional foods; from yearly festivals held in the street to quiet tea ceremonies; all these showcase the heart of the Japanese culture. These events are so magical and enchanting that it is difficult to resist the pull when they call. I will go a little further and say that these traditions are so entrenched that if you visit Japan and do not participate in one or most of the aforementioned, it is like you have not really visited Japan.
One such thing or rather event that is engraved in the Japanese culture is Cherry Blossom or ‘Sakura’ as lovingly called by the natives. Rumored to have its birth in South Korea; Sakura sits in the heart of all Japanese. Every year, the trees in park, towns, villages and school yards are transformed from lush greenery to variations of pink. As far as the eyes can see various shades of pink can be seen. It’s like Mother Nature filled her hands with different kinds of pink powder and blew it over Japan. The spectacular views offered by these trees and blossoms, whether walking through a town or driving to the countryside, gives everyone the feeling that they are participants in a live gallery watching art come to life. The visual display is especially spectacular whenever the trees are grouped together. It is nothing short of breathtaking and picturesque.
However, while they are visually appealing and add to the aesthetic of towns and country-sides every year, for the natives (Japanese), these trees mean so much more. In fact, their blossoms hold many different meanings, depending on who you speak with and what area in Japan the question of meaning is asked. For some, it represents something as simple as the coming or start of spring. It is said that some farmers uses the appearance of the blossoms as a sign of when to start planting their crops. On the other hand, some will view Cherry Blossom (Sakura) as a symbol for life, renewal, women’s beauty and so on. This significant position that the Cherry Blossom holds in the native’s heart see it being painted on everything from clothes to dishes but is doesn’t stop there. It can also be seen in desserts, drinks, chocolate and different variations of food.
In addition to this, these celebrated blossoms (flowers) have not only ushered in spring, or holds a variation of different meanings but it has joined communities and families through an event called “Hanami” for over 1000 years. In English, “Hanami” when translated literally means ‘flower viewing’. This event is typically exciting and serious in Japan so much so that there is even a forecast that done and issued to the public to indicate the different stages of blooming for the flowers. Even before the blossoms are in full bloom people can been seen with their families, friends and neighbors flocking parks with picnic baskets and cameras. These blossoms offer individuals not only the chance to make new friends and take amazing photos but to reconnect with everyone and everything around us. Their captivating beauty also adds in providing viewers with a calm and serene atmosphere; one so peaceful that they will forget about their phones, work and troubles and really focus on what matters.
I can still remember my first Hanami. Being from a country that does not really experience or show the significant changes that occur during spring; I was in awe when the blossoms first came out that year. I had never seen anything so beautiful all in one place. I was riding my bike past the park in my city and at the sight of the blossoms; I had to get off, walk and slowly push my bike home. The trees were stunningly laden with flowers ranging from soft to shocking pink. I remember taking countless amounts of photos to send home. The next day, I was invited by my co-workers at my school in the country-side to accompany my students on a Sakura viewing walk. I can only describe the walk as amazing. Additionally, the appreciation my students’ faces are one that I will never forget. They were so happy that the blossoms were out in full bloom.
Days later, I was invited by my coworkers to visit the park and have a picnic there. The experience was serene. It looked like the entire city was out because the park was packed with people and everyone was happy. The sound of laughter rose from the park and mingled with the smell of traditional Japanese food being grilled or cooked at the park entrance. Children were running ahead of their parents and everyone was greeting each other. We searched the park and found a spot under a Sakura tree. As we pulled out a huge blanket and began spreading our food out; more people came beside us and some even asked to join us. We ate festival foods, such as hot dogs on a stick, grilled meat, pickles, mochi and so on.
As the evening wore on and dusk replaced light, I looked around to see that they had placed lights in the trees against the blossoms giving the trees and by extension the park a magical feel. In some areas, the blossoms have an ethereal glow while in others the blossoms seems to have drifted from the trees and floating in the air. As we pack and make our way to exit the park, I couldn’t help but notice how the addition of lights and lanterns had completely converted the park. The illuminated Cherry Blossom had now transformed the park into this mystical romantic venue. Upon going through the exit, I looked back to find people entering the park holding hands. Smiling, I rode home contented knowing that new memories were created, new friends made and we were invited to new events; all these happened under a Sakura tree.
1 Comment