It is cherry blossom season in Japan. The entire country explodes with these gentle flowering trees. The blue sky seems to rain down sweet cherry blossom petals and for once spring is gorgeous and alluring. When looking down a row of Sakura trees it is as if God has released pink snow to only be caught by these trees.
The word for cherry blossoms in Japanese is Sakura. This is also a popular girls name. I do not think there could be a sweeter word to describe these delicate and precious trees and wonderful girls.
According to Wikipedia, there are over 305 species in Japan alone! Other sites have it listed as being slightly over 100 species. Also, the most famous and cherished specie is the
Somei Yoshino. It is the snow white- yet tinged pink variety that basically the world knows.
Cherry Blossoms are so loved that there are viewing parties called
Hanami. At these viewing parties groups of people spread blankets or so and sit under the trees enjoying the view that surrounds them. This is done mostly during the day but in many places lights are strung through the trees for night viewings and social gatherings in parks and such. There tends to be a lot of good food and flowing alcohol shared among friends. To me, it is one way that the country gets together and celebrates the birth of spring.
Sakura Facts
~ It is said that in the Gifu Prefecture there is a famous tree that is over 1500 years old
~A National Cherry Blossom Festival takes place each year in Washington D.C.
~ Flickr.com has over 76,605 pictures labeled as 'Sakura' for your viewing pleasure! Okay it isn't a fact but it is a way to see these gorgeous trees.
Links
Official Website of the National Cherry Blossom Festival - Washington D.C.Spring Flowers of JapanCherry Blossom Princess HeadquartersA Beginner's Guide to Cherry Blossom Viewing: Cherry Tree Varieties*has great pictures!
She Who Eats blog*great pictures of Japanese tea snacks and yes, cherry trees!
