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Every year, between January and March, millions in Japan pay close attention to the weather forecasts. In contrary to what may be expected, it is not the question of whether or not it will rain tomorrow that most interests them. Their interest lies elsewhere: a meteorological phenomenon known as Sakura Zensen, i.e., the cherry blossom front. As warm weather travels northward up the Japanese archipelago, a glorious shade of pink covers yards throughout the islands. It's time for the Cherry Tree – Sakura – to blossom. However, one must be quick about it – the blossom only lasts ten days.
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Japan's admiration towards the flowers of the cherry tree dates as far back as the 8th century A.D., when the social phenomenon known as "flower viewing" migrated there from China. Flower viewing was a social event in which Imperial households, poets, singers and other aristocrats would gather and celebrate under the blossom. In Japan, cherry trees were planted and cultivated for their beauty at least as early as 794.
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Since then, the short-lived yet annual blossom of the cherry tree has become an inseparable part of Japanese culture and heritage. People in Japan view the Sakura tree not only as beautiful, but also as symbolic of many things they hold in highest regard. For instance, with its short and grandiose appearance, it symbolizes life itself, for it, too, is short-lived. This association of the Sakura tree with life and mortality has led to it being depicted in Japanese art, manga, anime, film and song. The cherry blossom is also an omen of good fortune and is an emblem of love and affection.
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A final interesting fact about the Sakura tree is that is does not – despite its name – produce fruit. Although it is a close relative to the Sakuranbu, or "the cherry-fruit tree", the Sakura itself is fruitless. Its flowers and leaves, however, are indeed edible, and are widely used in Japanese cuisine. |
