Fleeting sakura blossom
Sakura, or ornamental cherry, is loved and revered throughout Japan, and thousands of tourists annually plan their vacation so that they are sure to get there during its flowering.
Sakura – what is she?
Sakura is a typical representative of the Himalayas, Japan, China and Korea. Currently, there are more than 300 varieties of this tree due to the fact that Japanese scientists are actively engaged in sakura breeding. The most beautiful sakura blossoms in the cities of Kyoto and Kamakura.
An interesting and one of the most beautiful views is Somei Yoshino. The flowers of this sakura are pure white, only at the stem painted in light pink. Due to the fact that flowers first appear and only then leaves, the tree appears to be completely white during flowering. Loved by the Japanese and the “weeping cherry” Shidarezakura with sprawling branches, blooming in pink.
Sakura flowers vary in their saturation: from white to bright pink
When does sakura bloom?
The flowering period is short and depends on the region of Japan. It begins in January in the south of the country from the island of Okinawa and by early May reaches northern Hokkaido. In Tokyo, the official flowering dates are from March 27 to April 7, and in Kyoto from April 4 to 16. However, these dates are inaccurate. If warm weather is before the flowering period begins, then the sakura can bloom 1-2 weeks earlier, and if the temperature is low, the tree will bloom much later.
Every year, meteorologists and all the people watch the sakura blossom front. On television and in newspapers, it is reported where sakura blossomed and in what places it is best to observe this wonderful phenomenon.
Sakura fans often move around the country after its flowering
Sakura Festival
The sakura blossom period is a national holiday in Japan called the Hanami. The grand opening of Hanami takes place in Tokyo’s Central Park – Shinjuku, which is visited by the imperial family and the country’s main political figures. The Japanese watch the front and open the Hanami when flowering reaches their area.
Hanami, or admiring sakura, is an ancient Japanese tradition. At first, it was spread among elite society and only then passed on to samurai. According to legend, this custom began during the Nara period in the VIII century. In the Heian era, sakura became more popular, and it was then that the name “Hanami” appeared.
This holiday is not only for the Japanese, but also for many tourists. Hanami is a great opportunity to relax with friends in nature. These days, it is customary to visit flowering parks and squares for picnics with family and loved ones. Also, a large number of people visit the territory of Buddhist temples. In the courtyard of most schools and other public places, sakura is planted, and students and staff love to relax during the break among the trees. And although the main attention is paid to sakura, pleasing to the eye and other beautiful flowers.
Japanese cherry blossoms are short, so they are admired even in the evening. Evening contemplation of flowering trees is very popular: after 6 pm a very beautiful illumination lights up.
If you want to know where to best enjoy sakura, refer to the list of places compiled by the Japanese Sakura Association
Sakura Symbols
The transience of sakura blossoms is often associated with the transience of human life. A reflection of this idea can be seen in Japanese culture: poetry, cinema, manga and other arts. The people composed songs about sakura, for example, the famous “Sakura, Sakura”, and poets wrote poems and songs, singing the dead soldiers and comparing them with fragile cherry flowers. During the Second World War, sakura was used as a symbol strengthening the fighting spirit.
Sakura color also resembles clouds due to the large number of flowers on the tree. The image of sakura in Japan is often found on clothes, including kimonos, fans, and traditional vagas umbrellas. Exquisite flowers are also decorated with everyday objects: dishes, tablecloths, stationery.
In earlier times, sakura blossoms reported that it was time to plant rice
Sakura blossom is a phenomenon that everyone should see. To do this, it is not necessary to visit Japan, because you can grow a tree yourself. It does not grow fast and is ideal for bonsai. His flowers will be smaller, but as beautiful as those of large trees.
