By: Emma Robertson
Murasaki Shikibu, Japanese novelist and poet of the Hein period wrote, “Yes, the cherry trees
put this truth very plainly: none of the glory of blossoms and autumn leaves last long in this
fleeting world.”
put this truth very plainly: none of the glory of blossoms and autumn leaves last long in this
fleeting world.”
As the bitter cold of winter fades and the early buds of spring awaken from the dormant earth,
one of the most anticipated blooms of all is the intricate and ethereal cherry blossom.
The cherry blossom, or Sakura, is a delicate flower. Its soft petals range in a variety of
pastels, from baby pink, to pure white, to mint green depending on the species of tree and age of
the plant. The most well-known cherry blossom, though, is the pink and white variety. The
blooms emit an enticing fragrance that can be used in beauty products such as lotions and
perfumes. However, the most remarkable trait about the cherry blossom is its relatively brief
lifespan. Cherry blossoms last a very short time on the spindly branch of their trees, bursting
forth in fluffy clouds of white and pink petals that blanket entire landscapes, only to drift to the
ground like snow within a span of two weeks.
The fleeting lifespan of the delicate cherry blossoms holds special significance to Japanese
culture, appearing in art, literature, and music. Furthermore, the arrival of the exquisite flowers
heralded not only the coming of spring and conclusion of winter, but also served as a stark
reminder of the brevity of human life.
Thus, the concept of “hanami”, or “flower-viewing” was born.
According to Kelly Richman-Abdou, writer for My Modern Met, “In the 8th century, during
Japan’s Nara period, upper-class individuals began hosting picnic-like parties beneath plum, or
ume, trees. Arriving a month earlier than their cherry counterparts, the tree’s sweet-smelling
blooms are historically known as ‘the first important flower to blossom in the spring.’ During the
Heian period (794 to 1185), however, picnickers started setting up camp beneath the branches of
cherry blossom trees, too. Eventually, the sakura’s popularity surpassed that of the ume,
reimagining the deep-seated roles of the flowers and redefining the hanami practice.”
The sakura remains deeply-rooted in contemporary Japanese society. Its arrival in the spring
signals a host of festivals, celebrations, and galas. Prominent host cities for Sakura festivities
include Tokyo, Okinawa, Kyoto, and Hirosaki, just to name a few.
Blooming season, though, remains short. According to LiveJapan.com, cherry blossoms
typically begin flowering in late March and end in early April.
If a trip to Japan remains out of reach for the time being, Washington D.C. holds its own
national cherry blossom festival. The National Cherry Blossom Festival Website, or
https://nationalcherryblossomfestival.org, contains a “Bloom Watch” where guests from all over
the world can tune in to see the first buds peek out from their winter slumber.
This year, the 2024 cherry flower season lasted from March 20-April 14, cloaking the Tidal
Basin of Washington D.C. in flurries of velvety whites and blushes.
#BloomWatch announces that the upcoming 2025 National Cherry Blossom Festival will last
between March 20 – Sun April 13. Future visitors are encouraged to visit the website and tune
into the live webcam if they are unable to attend in person.
Although it lasts but a moment and fades into the advance of the seasons, the cherry blossom
serves as a beautiful and symbolic reminder of mortality. Its delicate petals give hope, a glimpse
of all life has to offer, and the promise that comes with a fresh, new spring.
into the live webcam if they are unable to attend in person.
Although it lasts but a moment and fades into the advance of the seasons, the cherry blossom
serves as a beautiful and symbolic reminder of mortality. Its delicate petals give hope, a glimpse
of all life has to offer, and the promise that comes with a fresh, new spring.
