Okinawa’s Cherry Blossoms Spark a Historical Perspective

In Japan, the cherry blossom, or sakura, is celebrated annually with flower viewing festivals, known as hanami, to celebrate the beauty of the cherry blossom and the beginning of spring.

While Japan does not have an official flower, many people consider the cherry blossom to be the next closest thing. The practice of hanami first began in the eighth century when the plum tree’s blossoms were the flower of choice.

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Tourists spend quality time with friends and family time among the cherry blossoms. (Photo Destination DC)[/caption]

The plum and cherry tree are very different, but are often mistaken for the other because of how similar their flowers look.

The plum tree blossoms very early, around the beginning of February, which is also around the time of the Lunar New Year. Plum blossoms come in a variety of colors, ranging from white to red. The blossoms are very resilient and can stay on the branches for a long time.

At the time, the plum blossom was celebrated in poetry as a symbol of life coming back after winter, but soon the cherry blossom gained popularity as the flower of spring.

“With the cherry blossoms, it is because they are so fragile and so temporary that they become celebrated,” said Satoko Naito, professor of Japanese literature. “Also the color is very, very light and kind of fragile and dainty. The way they fall, some flowers fall just intact, but the cherry blossoms scatter. It’s this beautiful kind of cascade of light pink.”

The blossoming of the cherries was used to predict the next year’s harvest. People would perform rituals to mark the start of the planting season. These rituals would end with a feast under the trees, much like the present day.

“It’s traditional for like the cherry blossom seasons, when you go to a park… people will go there and have a little picnic,” said Satoko Tanabe, a freshman business major. “The really good spots, people will actually be there days before cherry blossoms happen, and they take the spots and they guard it with their lives.”

For Professor Kumiko Akikawa, the cherry blossom season means more than just the blooming flowers.

“In Japan, cherry blossom season coincides with the beginning of the academic year, in March or April,” said Akikawa. “So it kind of reminds me of that season, of the ending and the beginning, not necessarily flower viewing.”

“It’s really embraced by kind of all tiers of Japanese,” added Naito. “So not just kind of the people that are supposed to represent us in the imperial family or government. There’s a quality about it that’s very kind of quotidian and everyday and accessible. The Japanese really do embrace it as a symbol.”

In 1912, Japan sent 3,020 cherry trees to the United States. First lady Helen Herron Taft and the wife of Japan’s Ambassador, Mrs. Ryuji Takeuchi, planted two cherry trees together during a ceremony in Washington D.C. Japan has given cherry trees to many countries as a sign of friendship and peace.

“I think it’s a source of pride for the Japanese to have so many trees over here and to have these festivals and have people appreciate the trees,” said Naito.

“It’s the feeling of festivity, something fun and beautiful,” said Akikawa.