What is the most beautiful tree you have ever seen? Are you imagining the redwoods in California? Many people might think of trees with red or orange leaves during the fall season. Others enjoy seeing trees with bare branches covered in snow during the winter. However, some would argue that the most beautiful tree they have ever seen is the cherry blossom tree.
The Japanese term for cherry blossom trees is Sakura. Cherry blossom trees are distinct from other cherry trees because they do not bear fruit. Instead, they bloom with stunning pink or white flowers every spring. Unfortunately, the blossoms only last for about one or two weeks.
Cherry blossom trees are an iconic symbol of Japan. Some even consider them to be Japan’s unofficial national flower. The Japanese school year starts in April, which coincides with cherry blossom season. These flowers symbolize good luck, love, and the arrival of spring. Due to their short blooming period, cherry blossom trees also represent the brevity and preciousness of life.
Every year, the progress of the blooming cherry trees is closely monitored by the Japanese. This is known as the sakura zensen, or cherry blossom front. The blooming gradually moves northward as the weather becomes warmer. It begins in Okinawa in January and reaches Kyoto and Tokyo by early April. As the cherry trees bloom in each region, the Japanese partake in the tradition of hanami. This involves having picnics under the blossoming cherry blossom trees. This tradition has been celebrated for many centuries and is accompanied by festivals and celebrations in honor of the cherry blossoms.
Cherry blossom trees can also be found outside of Japan. In 1912, Japan gifted over 3,000 cherry blossom trees to the United States as a symbol of friendship. Many of these trees were planted in Washington, D.C. near the Jefferson Memorial, while others were used to create Sakura Park in New York City.
Today, these Japanese cherry blossom trees have become a popular tourist attraction. Each spring, thousands of people visit them during the annual National Cherry Blossom Festival. They admire the beautiful pink and white blooms and even have picnics under the shade of the trees. Just like the Japanese who celebrate sakura zensen, many Americans view the festival as a special time of the year.
Have you ever seen a cherry blossom tree? Would you like to visit the festival? It is a wonderful way to celebrate the arrival of spring! How else do you celebrate the warmer weather? Take a walk with a friend or family member and point out the unique trees in your area. Do they all have leaves, or do some of them bloom with flowers? You may be surprised by the variety of trees that can be found right in your own backyard!
Give It a Try
Are you ready to bloom? Ask a friend or family member to join you in trying out the following activities:
- Interested in learning how to write “cherry blossom” in Japanese? The Japanese written language consists of three different alphabets. Two of them are syllabic, meaning they use simple characters to represent syllables or sounds. The third alphabet, called kanji, uses more complex pictographs to represent meaning instead of sounds. Although kanji may initially seem challenging, it is both visually appealing and captivating. Check out Kanji of the Week to discover how to write the kanji for “cherry blossom.” We believe you will find it fascinating to learn how the kanji character sakura combines the elements of tree, woman, and decoration to convey its meaning.
- Would you like to admire the beauty of cherry blossoms from the comfort of your own home? Simply go online and explore National Geographic’s Cherry Blossoms Photos gallery to view a wide range of stunning photographs showcasing cherry blossoms in full bloom. Which picture is your favorite? Why not share your discovery with a friend or family member?
- The gift of cherry trees from Japan to the United States was a truly remarkable gesture that continues to bring joy year after year. If you are curious to learn about other unique gifts bestowed upon the United States by different countries, take a look at ABC News’ article on the Top 7 Foreign Gifts to the U.S. Which gift do you consider the most significant? Why? Write a paragraph expressing your opinion on this matter.
Additional Sources
- http://pages.stolaf.edu/kucera/exhibitions-2/yoshida-evolution-exhibition/gallery/cherry-tree-in-kawagoe/stephanie-cargile/
- http://japanese.about.com/od/japanesecultur1/a/031900.htm
- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cherry_blossom
- https://www.countryliving.com/gardening/g3168/cherry-blossoms-facts/
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