Sakura – Cherry Blossom
In Japan, the season of cherry blossoms (Sakura) represents the beginning of spring and Hanami takes place. The end of a cycle and the beginning of a new one, as Japanese schools start their school year in April. Also during this period, many companies start their fiscal year, and this is usually the time when contract employees start working in the offices.
Sakura’s magical season typically runs from late March to mid-April, but the exact dates vary each year. Its full bloom is a short-lived spectacle (less than two weeks), after the brief period of full bloom, the small round flowers begin to float, their white and pink petals flutter gently.
During flowering, the thin-branched trees of medium-sized cherry trees are full of small white flowers and, depending on the species, can be pink. When the breeze passes through them, a shower of petals enchants visitors and covers the floor with a precious rug.
In this period of flowering there are numerous events, festivals and tours throughout Japan.
In Japan the name of the cherry blossom is Sakura, Sakura symbolizes love, happiness, renewal, hope and feminine beauty.
In front of most schools and public buildings in Japan, there are sakura.
- Hanami
Hanami is the traditional custom of contemplating the beauty of flowers, especially cherry blossoms, both in daylight and at night.
The costum is said to have started during the Nara period (710-794) with the plum blossoms (UME), when people admired it a lot in the beginning. But period in Heian (794-1185) (794-1185). The custom was intended only for the imperial period, but soon moved from the elite of civilized and limited society to the people.
In present-day Japan, it is common to see groups in parks having picnics or even barbecues under the trees. As spaces are disputed, many arrive early in the morning to get a good seat and enjoy the afternoon.
- Sakura’s Story
Cherry blossoms are not just beautiful trees, but a spectacle of nature, known throughout the world. Sakura has strong ties to Japan’s history, culture and identity.