A couple weeks ago, Atet asked me about the meaning of Cherry blossoms and why Japanese revere the cherry blossom season so much. So true! The whole country is in a cherry blossom frenzy and these couple of weeks are very special to Japanese. Everyday there are little maps on the morning news showing where there cherry trees are blooming, how much of the trees are in full bloom and where the most scenic parks and areas are this week. Yesterday in Utsunomiya (the next town south of us) the cherry trees were in full bloom but here in Nikko we have another couple days to wait. 
Japanese take great pride in their appreciation of the seasons and the small daily changes in nature. The cherry blossoms represent the fragility of life; the pale pink almost white paper thin petals, the small delicate flowers, alone so inconsequential but together with other blossoms can create a canopy of beauty. When the trees are in full bloom, the whole Japanese population will turn out for flower viewing and the parks and river banks are packed with people sitting under the trees enjoying a picnic (or a drinking party!) 
This is a custom that days back from the earlier eras of Japanese history. For all the waiting and preparation for cherry blossom season, the actual blossoms last only a few days. They bloom and within a week they fall with the breezes and spring rain, alas, a short lived but much appreciated beauty. I think this is the essence of the cherry blossom in Japan. 
Here are a few things I've found around my house that I use to welcome the season. The candle I showed last year. The little puzzle (the petals are made of different types of wood and come out of the frame) Tetsu bought me last month. I notice I have cherry blossom tea in my cupboard and came across cherry blossom potato chips in the stores. (They are salty but have a cherry blossom fragrance!) 
Someone carved this lovely little tray for me a couple of years ago and it has a delicate cherry blossom motif.And best of all, here is the real thing!
9 comments:
The Japanese appreciaton of natue is something that I love about living here! I have been going a bit sakura crazy myself--I think it's contagious. Where did Tetsu find the fabulous sakura puzzle?
I grew up not to far from Washington DC and have family in the area still. For a while, Keith and I were managing a trip each spring but haven't made it up in the last few years when the Cherry Blossoms were blooming.
So nice to enjoy the cherry blossoms with you!
Thanks,
Liz
We had planned a trip to Washington DC over spring break..but due to full planes (and standby tickets!) we didnt make it. To my GREAT dismay, 2 days later (when we SHOULD have been there) they showed the cherry blossoms in FULL glory on the evening news here in Arizona. I was crushed...SOME day....
It is Cherry Blossom time in Washington DC. (We've had too much rain for the delicate petals in tthe last week) We got the trees as a gift from Japan. I heard a lecture on the subject last year & it was fascinating.
Konnichiwa. We met when I attended cooking class with Heidi. She gave me your blog address and I am enjoying it very much. Thank you for posting so often. My husband and I miss Japan greatly, so I really appreciate visiting Tochigi through your eyes. I also enjoy crafting and wish I could have joined your koinobori class. Thank you for the blossoms. Oh, how we wish we were sipping sakura tea under the petals!
xoWendy
So very well written!!!
The 2nd paragraph is so very beautiful...thanx for sharing.
Your blog is such a joy to visit! there is always something fascinating, & your writing is so excellent!
One of the most surprising things I learned when I was in Japan was that all these are flowering cherry trees. When I talked about eating cherries none of the Japanese kids had any idea what I was talking about. I described cherries and said the fruit that grew on the trees after they blossomed, and they said there wasn't any fruit! I was so surprised!
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