For many Japanese, cherry blossoms (Sakura) symbolize
human life and its transience. Cherry blossoms, the country’s
national flower comes into full bloom around the end of March to April, depending
on the weather and varying by regions. April is the month when Japanese children start the new school year. It is also the month when companies start
their new business financial years and when many new graduates start to work.
So the cherry blossom season starts as a new beginning for people from all walks of life.
After
a brief
one-week of full blooming, however, the small round-shaped flowers start to
flutter gracefully from their trees. The blossoms are said to be the most
beautiful when the pink petals float gently onto the ground. This final moment
epitomizes that “all things will eventually pass” and embodies natural symbols
of impermanence, hope and renewal in life.
Sakura cannot be
separated from Japan’s culture. It is written about frequently in traditional poetry like haiku and tanka, appears
in several songs, both traditional and contemporary, serves as
inspiration for kimono prints and textiles and even has a niche in the food and
confectionery market (wagashi -和菓子）. Sakura will always have a cherish place
in the heart of Japanese people who look forward to hanami (cherry blossoms viewing)
every year.
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