The season of cherry blossom, also known as Sakura, is one of the most significant periods in Japan. Not just for tourism, but for the cultural richness and historically profound traditions that are associated with this beautiful occasion. In this post, we will delve into the rich heritage behind Japan’s cherry blossom festival.
The Significance of Sakura
In Japan, the flowering of cherry blossoms symbolizes the fragility and the beauty of life. It’s a reminder of how life is overwhelmingly beautiful yet tragically short. The petals start to fall off just a week after the full bloom, symbolizing the fleeting nature of life.
The History of Cherry Blossom Festival
Viewing cherry blossom trees dates back to as early as the Heian period (794 to 1185), and has been a tradition ever since. It was initially limited to the elite of the Imperial Court, and was tied to ‘Hanami’ parties, which literally translates to ‘flower viewing’. But over time, the ritual was adopted by samurais, and gradually, by the common people.
The Hanami Tradition
The Hanami tradition often involves picnicking under the full bloom of the Sakura trees. Traditionally, this was a chance to connect with nature while contemplating the transient nature of life.
Cherry Blossom Festival – A Countywide Celebration
Today, the Cherry Blossom Festival is celebrated in every corner of Japan and is eagerly looked forward to by locals as well as international travelers who flock to this island nation to be part of this beautiful celebration.
- Pre-festival preparations: As the cherry blossom season nears, updates about the ‘Sakura Zensen’ (cherry blossom front) are keenly followed in the weather forecasts.
- During the festival: Streets, parks and temples are adorned with soft pink Sakura flowers. Families, friends and coworkers gather under the blooming trees to indulge in a feast, often until late in the night.
- Special foods: Seasonal foods like ‘Sakura-mochi’, a dessert made of rice cakes (mochi) filled with red bean paste and wrapped in a pickled cherry tree leaf, and ‘Sakura tea’, play a significant part in the celebration.
- Light-up events: Many places around Japan hold Sakura ‘Yozakura’, where beautiful illuminations light up the trees at night, providing a different perspective of these magnificent trees.
The Sakura season, with its beauty and traditions, continues to be an integral part of Japanese culture. The Cherry Blossom Festival is not merely a feast for the eyes, but also a profound reminder of life and mortality – a beautiful paradox of celebration and contemplation.