<strong>Hanami: Japan’s cherry blossom festival that symbolises the ephemeral nature of beauty </strong>
March is the month which brings along warmer breeze and marks the end of winter, at least in the Northern Hemisphere. It is the time when the skies are bluer and trees more colourful with beautiful flowers blossoming. Japan celebrates them as a welcome for the much- awaited spring season. This stunning festival is known all over the world as cherry blossom festivals, the country celebrates them as a welcome for the much- awaited spring season. Read on to understand their importance in the Japanese culture.
Hanami: The ancient Japanese tradition
Cherry blossom festivals are known as ‘hanami’ in the Japanese language. The word, in its literal sense, means ‘viewing flowers’. Hanami is essentially an ancient tradition wherein people step out in parks across the countryside to witness the blooming of cherry blossoms, known as ‘sakura’ in Japanese. Sometimes, these stunning flowers are also accompanied with the blossoming of plum blossoms or ‘ume.’ Theyusually begin blooming in January, but do not reach their peak until March. These cherry blossom trees can be found all over the country and are also referred to as ‘somei-yoshino’ tees. It is believed that the tradition of hanami was first initiated by the Japanese aristocrats more than a 1000 years ago. They used to enjoy viewing the stunning scenery and use that as inspiration to write poetry.
What does the festival symbolise?
Not only are cherry blossoms stunning to look at, they also have immense symbolic significance. The blossoming of these flowers is fleeting, and often lasts for merely two weeks. They symbolise the ephemeral nature and the impermanence of beauty. They are a depiction of the Japanese concept of ‘mono no aware’ which translates into the common English saying, ‘nothing lasts forever.’ They are often featured in all kinds of Japanese art.
How do the Japanese celebrate cherry blossom festivals?
The cherry blossom festivals are not exactly like other festivals with pomp and splendour. Instead, they are quite reserved- people just like to spend time outdoors with family and friends to take in the beauty of the cherry blossoms and the pleasant weather. People usually head to their local parks with enough food and beverages, thus making the festival more of a picnic instead. Evidently, the parks get crowded as thousands of people flock towards them to find the perfect spot. In some parks, special performances are also held which showcase the country’s rich traditions and customs. Tea ceremonies are also held under these colourful trees, with street vendors lining up the parks as well.