Hanami: Admiring the cherry blossoms

Sakura - cherry blossoms in Japanese - are an essential symbol in Japanese tradition. The fleeting nature of their blooming makes it a captivating event. Also, cherry blossoms are often associated with the ephemeral beauty of nature and life.

It is therefore not surprising that the annual cherry blossom bloom is fervently celebrated with a specific festival. Hanami is the name of the spectacle that, each year in March and April, attracts both Japanese people and tourists travelling to Japan to all the parks and gardens of the country. "Looking at flowers," the literal translation of the word "hanami," is the tradition of admiring cherry blossoms.

There are more than 400 varieties of cherry trees worldwide. More than 200 of them grow exclusively in Japan. The Yamazakura cherry tree is the most common species in the archipelago. With its short trunk and light pink five-petal flowers, it grows freely in nature, unlike other planted species that are specifically cultivated.

In Japan, most cherry trees bloom in shades of pink and belong, among others, to the Somei Yoshino varieties. These were cultivated and spread in the 19th century. Today, they are among the most appreciated cherry blossoms during Hanami. Shidare cherry trees also have pink flowers. They are distinguished by their drooping branches, which evoke weeping willows cascading in pink waterfalls.

But white and even yellow cherry blossoms can also be found in Japan. Yoshino cherry trees, for example, display a brilliant white bloom. The exotic yellow flowers belong to the Ukon cherry tree.

Contemplating cherry blossoms is a very ancient tradition in Japan. Many stories transmitted through Buddhism and Shintoism relate to the cherry tree and its flowers:

Like the story of an elderly couple who, thanks to their beloved dog Shiro, found a treasure of solid gold. The animal, taken in by the old couple when it was just an abandoned puppy, dug up the treasure in a field. A jealous neighbor killed this beloved dog, and the grieving couple buried him in their garden. They marked his grave with a pine branch that quickly took root and grew into a tree. They decided to carve a mortar from its trunk to prepare rice cakes, their Shiro's favorite dish. So they hurriedly worked the rice in their mortar. But… they could not believe their eyes… As if by magic, the rice in the mortar turned into gold. When the jealous neighbour learnt of this, he seized the mortar and threw it into the fire. The old man then scattered the ashes over his field, in memory of his dog, on whose grave the pine had grown. Shortly after, at that very spot, cherry trees bloomed with wonderfully beautiful flowers.

Stories like this are still an integral part of the traditions related to cherry blossom viewing today. According to tradition, hanami originates from the Nara period, a period of Japanese history that lasted from 710 to 794. It was during this time that the word "sakura" (cherry blossom) was first printed in one of the oldest poetry collections in the entire archipelago.

The first official hanami festival, accompanied by food and drink, music and poetry, was organised, according to records, by Emperor Saga during the Heian period (794 - 1185). Shortly after - from the year 831 - hanami became a regular event and was particularly appreciated by the emperor's court. The common people were initially excluded from the hanami festivities.

It was only from the Edo period, from 1603 to 1867, that hanami became widely established among the Japanese population.

Currently, hanami is more popular than ever. The spectacle of cherry blossoms in bloom is accompanied by lively parties. Crowds gather in parks and often celebrate late into the night, with food, music, and games. These festivities are so popular that many visitors reserve the best spots hours or even days in advance.

In the main parks of major Japanese cities, during the cherry blossom season, stages are set up for music and dance performances. Poetry readings are also very popular during hanami. And among the latest trends are hanami fashion shows.

At night, many Japanese parks offer a special spectacle. Everywhere, paper or battery-powered lanterns are hung. These surround the cherry blossoms with an enchanting light. The nighttime illumination of cherry blossoms is called yozakura. Despite the cool spring temperatures in the middle of the night, do not miss this event during your holiday in Japan.

During hanami, traditional dishes are often prepared such as dango, a ball made from rice flour, or bento, a box containing a selection of Japanese delights such as sushi, sakura mochi, shrimp, and other spring vegetables, which are perfect for a picnic under the cherry trees.

In addition to cherry blossom viewing, hanami also refers to the blooming of plum trees, particularly appreciated by the elderly population. This festival takes place a little earlier in the season (from mid-February). Generally, it is celebrated with more calm and restraint.

How exactly do we know when the cherry trees are in bloom? The flowering occurs between late March and early May, but for the Japanese, this is not a precise enough indication. Indeed, cherry blossoms are visible in all their splendor for only about one to two weeks. You must not miss this!

Therefore, the exact moment when flowering is expected is anticipated, observed, and documented in the finest detail. Originally, this responsibility fell to the Japan Meteorological Agency. Today, private agencies handle it, keeping Japan's various prefectures informed of the expected flowering period: a true business model.

It is in Okinawa Prefecture, the archipelago located south of the main islands, that the cherry trees bloom first, between mid-January and mid-February. The cherry trees growing on the islands north of Hokkaido are the last to bloom, starting in late April. To know exactly when it will be the turn of a given city, from south to north, simply listen to the news and read the newspapers.

Around the world, hanami enjoys great popularity in many countries. Thus, apart from Japan, this floral spectacle is also celebrated in Taiwan, South Korea, the Philippines, and China. Cherry blossom festivals are also held in Washington D.C., United States, as well as in Rome, Italy, Stockholm, Sweden, and Toronto, Canada.

Cherry trees can be found all over the world. The sight of these pink and white blossoms is an attraction for everyone globally. But there is only one country in the world where you can experience the authentic hanami: Japan.

Every Japanese city takes part in the festivities. In Tokyo, Chidorigafuchi Park and the nearby palace provide a magnificent setting. In Kyoto, the cherry blossom bloom at Arashiyama, set against the mountain landscape, is a true experience. In Osaka, the "walk through the cherry blossoms" in the garden of the Japanese Mint, which is only open to the public during the cherry blossom season, offers a unique experience.