Cherry Blossom

The Japanese have a respect for beauty and nature that is reflected in their culture and everyday life. Nothing is more significant to them than the Sakura, which is the name they give to their cherry blossom trees. The flowers symbolize the brief cycle of life and renewal. The tree is a frequent motif on clothes and household goods.

My husband and I were fortunate in being able to visit Japan a few years ago. We were advised to go during the cherry blossom season. This is a movable feast, with the flowering moving steadily across the country. We timed our visit so that the blossom would be out when we were staying in a Tokyo suburb during April. We first saw it in Oueno Park, a famous location for hanami, which is the name given to looking at the flowers. The local population visits places specifically to view the blossom. There they were in the park, dozens of people holding up their mobile phones and cameras to take pictures.

There are different varieties of Sakura, including one that resembles a weeping willow. The flowers are white, pink or white tinged with pink. They are truly beautiful, especially when seen against the backdrop of a shrine or temple. Cherry blossom is so much a part of the Japanese soul that it is referenced in paintings and songs. Even manga comics and anime films use it as a metaphor. There are Hanami Festivals and many parents name their girls, Sakura.

During World War II, kamikaze pilots would paint Sakura on the side of their planes. These pilots did volunteer for suicide missions but their elders pushed them in that direction by persuading them that it was a noble thing to do. Being honorable meant everything to the young men and they were told that they would be re-incarnated as the blossom; such would be their reward.

As a unifying symbol for all the people, I can't think of anything equivalent in any other country. The young seem to enjoy Hanami as much as the older generation. Part of its significance is its representation of the brevity of human life but they don't find this depressing. On the contrary, they see it as a celebration of life and hope for the future. It's certainly true that no one could be miserable when looking at cherry blossom. When I see blossom in my own country now, I am instantly taken back to that Japanese park and all the smiling faces there. They were simply happy that the Sakura had lived up to its promise once again and filled their lives with color and scent.

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