The cherry blossom, or Sakura is a highlight of Japanese culture that is a must-see when visiting Japan. Sakura, Japan’s famed cherry blossoms, paint Japan's scenery with a cloud of pink and whites.
It is fair to say that cherry blossoms are the embodiment of the beauty and mortality of life. The Sakura's meaning is contrasting. The Sakura represents rebirth and the passing nature of life. The coming of spring and the blossoming of the Sakura flower represents rebirth. At the same time, the short blooming period and lifespan of Sakura flowers (late March to early April) represents the fleeting nature of life.
During late March and April, many Japanese people go to local parks to view and celebrate the blooming of Sakura flowers. Many people also have picnics and parties under the Sakura trees.
Sakura flowers are a significant part of Japanese culture and are very prevalent in art. Since the 8th century, Sakura was visible in art. In the 12th century, the Sakura became a symbol of morals for the samurai. Samurai would even decorate their equipment with an emblem of a cherry blossom. Paintings and vases were decorated with Sakura flowers.
While in Japan, I visited the SOGO Museum of Art in the SOGO Yokohama store. During the viewing, I noticed that may paintings depicted nature and landscape capturing the beauty of Japan.
Overall, flowers have always been apart of Japanese culture, from art, literature, music, and fashion. While flowers are prized for their beauty, they also have symbolic meanings that are traced back to the early centuries. They represent how just like us, we are apart of nature, and giving flowers to someone is a sign of respect. I notice that the beauty of Japanese flowers and flower arrangements (the art of ikebana) had become more popular during and after the pandemic, and I think that its amazing that something that is very symbolic to my own culture is being appreciated and explored by many others.
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