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Cherry
Blossom
Cherry Blossom
Information
The Japanese have a respect for beauty and nature that is
reflected in their culture and everyday life. Nothing is more
significant to them than the Sakura, which is the name they give to
their cherry blossom trees. The flowers symbolize the brief cycle
of life and renewal. The tree is a frequent motif on clothes and
household goods.
My husband and I were fortunate in being able to visit Japan a
few years ago. We were advised to go during the cherry blossom season. This is a movable feast,
with the flowering moving steadily across the country. We timed our
visit so that the blossom would be out when we were staying in a
Tokyo suburb during April. We first saw it in Oueno Park, a famous
location for hanami, which is the name given to looking at the
flowers. The local population visits places specifically to view
the blossom. There they were in the park, dozens of people holding
up their mobile phones and cameras to take pictures.
There are different varieties of Sakura, including one that
resembles a weeping willow. The flowers are white, pink or white
tinged with pink. They are truly beautiful, especially when seen
against the backdrop of a shrine or temple. Cherryblossom is so
much a part of the Japanese soul that it is referenced in paintings
and songs. Even manga comics and anime films use it as a metaphor.
There are Hanami Festivals and many parents name their girls,
Sakura.
Cherry Blossom
Tips
During World War II, kamikaze pilots would paint Sakura -
cherryblossom - on the side of their planes. These pilots did
volunteer for suicide missions but their elders pushed them in that
direction by persuading them that it was a noble thing to do. Being
honorable meant everything to the young men and they were told that
they would be re-incarnated as the blossom; such would be their
reward.
As a unifying symbol for all the people, I can't think of
anything equivalent in any other country. The young seem to enjoy
Hanami as much as the older generation. Part of its significance is
its representation of the brevity of human life but they don't find
this depressing. On the contrary, they see it as a celebration of
life and hope for the future. It's certainly true that no one could
be miserable when looking at cherry blossom. When I see blossom in
my own country now, I am instantly taken back to that Japanese park
and all the smiling faces there. They were simply happy that the
Sakura had lived up to its promise once again and filled their
lives with color and scent.
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