The History of Hanami: The Japanese Tradition of Cherry Blossom Viewing

In Spring in Japan, cherry blossom trees are in bloom for about two weeks. During this very short period of time, Japanese people enjoy the traditional activity called hanami, which can be literally translated as “viewing the flowers.” Read on to discover the origins and meanings of this celebration and how it is celebrated today.

Waiting for the Gods

During ancient times in Japan, the New Year was in spring, and the blooming cherry blossoms marked the beginning of the spring planting season. From this, the Japanese believed there was a relation between the flower and the rice paddy god. In Japanese, the cherry blossom is called sakura. Originally, sa referred to the rice paddy god, and the word kura meant “a seat for god,” and sakura could be understood as “a sacred place for the rice paddy god to dwell.”

The Japanese also believed that gods lived in the mountains and would come to villages when the planting season started. Blooming cherry blossoms were a favorable sign that the gods were coming to the village. The god would then go back to the mountain with appreciation from the people for a…