Adapted from the article titled,
Relationships with Nature (1): Cherry Blossom
by Namiko Abe, for About.com
The cherry blossom (桜, sakura) is the national flower of Japan. It is probably most beloved flower among the Japanese. People gather under the trees, eat picnic lunches, drink sake (rice wine), view the cherry blossom flowers, and have a great time. In cities, viewing cherry blossoms in the evening (夜桜, yozakura) is also popular. Against the dark sky, the cherry blossoms in full bloom are especially beautiful.
During this period, the weather forecasts include reports on the advance of sakura zensen (桜前線, "sakura front") as the blossoms sweep north. As the trees begin to bloom, the Japanese participate in hanami (花見, "flower viewing"). The Japan Meteorological Agency actually records the opening and full bloom of the blossoms from Kyūshū in late March to Hokkaidō in the middle of May. And the advancing "sakura front" is also the subject of regular reports by the major news agencies.
The word for cherry blossom in Japanese is synonymous with the word, "flower" (花, hana). The saying, Hana yori dango (花より団子, "dumplings over flowers") is a proverb which expresses, "the practical is preferred over the aesthetic." Indeed, during hanami, people often seem to be more interested in eating foods or drinking alcohol, than appreciating the beauty of the flowers.
Sakura-yu is a tea-like drink made by steeping a salt-preserved cherry blossom in hot water. It is often served at weddings and other auspicious occasions. Sakura-mochi is a dumpling containing sweet bean paste wrapped in a salt-preserved cherry tree leaf.
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The blooming of cherry
blossoms signifies not only the arrival of spring but the beginning of
the new academic year for schools (Japanese school year starts in April)
and of the new fiscal year for businesses. The cherry blossoms are
symbols of a bright future. Also, their delicacy has poetic appeal, suggesting purity,
transience, or melancholy.
Of course, as with most things, there is also a dark side to the cherry blossom concept, as well. The blossoms open at once, and seldom last more than a week. The way they quickly and gracefully fall from the cherry trees inspired Japanese militarism to propagandize the "beauty" of death, thereby motivating wartime "suicide units" as to the beauty of their sacrifices. From the samurai in ancient times, to the soldiers of the modern World Wars, there was no greater glory than dying on the battlefield...like scattered cherry blossoms.
Finally, on a more humorous note, a "sakura" is also a term meaning some shill who goes about raving over a mock purchase that he made, trying to inspire others to also shop at the particular store that paid him for his marketing services. The term originally referred to people admitted to plays for free, the way cherry blossoms are "free" for the viewing.
Workin' it, Sakura-style!
Kirei desu, ne? (aren't they cute?).
And that samisen music is kinda' catchy.
The sap is rising in the trees at springtime. This metaphor doesn't go unnoticed with the celebration of the spring season in Japan, for not long after the Sakura Matsuri festival, is the Kanamara Matsuri, or "Phallus Festival." Yes, you're seeing what you think you're seeing. lol Sex is kind of a light-hearted, in-your-face topic there, despite the world's perception of Japanese culture being so sexually conservative and repressed. I've never thought of it that way.
Relationships with Nature (1): Cherry Blossom
by Namiko Abe, for About.com
By far, spring is my most favorite time of the year! Under the
full moon, I toast my ancestors in the Summerland. I love
to observe the baby leaves uncurling from the tree branches,
and the blossoms, like snow, drifting everywhere in the wind.
And in Japan, spring is considered, "cherry blossom time"...
The cherry blossom (桜, sakura) is the national flower of Japan. It is probably most beloved flower among the Japanese. People gather under the trees, eat picnic lunches, drink sake (rice wine), view the cherry blossom flowers, and have a great time. In cities, viewing cherry blossoms in the evening (夜桜, yozakura) is also popular. Against the dark sky, the cherry blossoms in full bloom are especially beautiful.
During this period, the weather forecasts include reports on the advance of sakura zensen (桜前線, "sakura front") as the blossoms sweep north. As the trees begin to bloom, the Japanese participate in hanami (花見, "flower viewing"). The Japan Meteorological Agency actually records the opening and full bloom of the blossoms from Kyūshū in late March to Hokkaidō in the middle of May. And the advancing "sakura front" is also the subject of regular reports by the major news agencies.
 |
| As in ancient times, it's still one BFD in Japan... |
...even at night.
Eat, Drink and Be Merry
...But Designate a Driver-san
...But Designate a Driver-san
The word for cherry blossom in Japanese is synonymous with the word, "flower" (花, hana). The saying, Hana yori dango (花より団子, "dumplings over flowers") is a proverb which expresses, "the practical is preferred over the aesthetic." Indeed, during hanami, people often seem to be more interested in eating foods or drinking alcohol, than appreciating the beauty of the flowers.
Sakura-yu is a tea-like drink made by steeping a salt-preserved cherry blossom in hot water. It is often served at weddings and other auspicious occasions. Sakura-mochi is a dumpling containing sweet bean paste wrapped in a salt-preserved cherry tree leaf.
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| A cup of sakura-yu drink. (to make sakura-yu, click here) |
Creative sakura-mochi treats!
(to make sakura-mochi, click here )
(to make sakura-mochi, click here )
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The Cherry Blossom Motif
in Japanese Culture
in Japanese Culture
 |
| The Cherry Blossom Squadrons: Born to Die, by Andrew Adams (see: kamikaze images ) |
Of course, as with most things, there is also a dark side to the cherry blossom concept, as well. The blossoms open at once, and seldom last more than a week. The way they quickly and gracefully fall from the cherry trees inspired Japanese militarism to propagandize the "beauty" of death, thereby motivating wartime "suicide units" as to the beauty of their sacrifices. From the samurai in ancient times, to the soldiers of the modern World Wars, there was no greater glory than dying on the battlefield...like scattered cherry blossoms.
Finally, on a more humorous note, a "sakura" is also a term meaning some shill who goes about raving over a mock purchase that he made, trying to inspire others to also shop at the particular store that paid him for his marketing services. The term originally referred to people admitted to plays for free, the way cherry blossoms are "free" for the viewing.
And While We're on
the Subject of Fertility...
The sap is rising in the trees at springtime. This metaphor doesn't go unnoticed with the celebration of the spring season in Japan, for not long after the Sakura Matsuri festival, is the Kanamara Matsuri, or "Phallus Festival." Yes, you're seeing what you think you're seeing. lol Sex is kind of a light-hearted, in-your-face topic there, despite the world's perception of Japanese culture being so sexually conservative and repressed. I've never thought of it that way.
Words fail me. This makes Carnival in Western culture,
by comparison, seem terribly tame! And don't miss the phallus
lollipops, candles and other obscene goodies sold during festivities,
by comparison, seem terribly tame! And don't miss the phallus
lollipops, candles and other obscene goodies sold during festivities,
click here: Kanamara Matsuri: Phallus Festival in Kawasaki
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Other Stuff
Inspired by Sakura Matsuri:
A wedding theme inspired by the
"cherry blossom" motif (click here)
A cherry blossom painting with an old
soda bottle --great craft for kids! (click here)
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