Kamis, 13 Juni 2013

Japanese Cherry Blossom





Cherry trees and their blossoms in Japan go by the name of sakura and carry a great cultural meaning and significance for the people of Japan. The word sakura would translate as the Japanese flowering cherry tree in English whereas the blossoms are referred to as cherry blossoms.

The cherry blossom trees produce the wonderful fruit of cherry which goes by the name of sakuranbo in Japan. This fruit actually comes from another species of the tree.

The Japanese cherry blossom tree is not only native to this island country, rather it is indigenous to other Asian countries as well including China, Korea and India. Japan alone has over two hundred cultivars of the cherry blossom tree.



History and Symbolism of the Cherry Blossom Tree

Flower viewing was a phenomenon that the Japanese adopted from China during the Heiran Period. Poets, singers, aristocrats and members of ordinary households would come together to gather around cherry blossom trees and appreciate their beauty. Over the years the tree became a highly revered species in Japan.
  
Whereas the cherry blossom tree represented the female form in China it took on a much deeper meaning in Japanese culture. The Japanese observed the life cycle of the cherry blossom tree and drew a similitude between the nature of the blossoming tree with human life in general.

The cherry blossom tree is known for its short yet brilliant blooming season which ends with an inevitable fall to the ground. For the Japanese masses this drama staged by the natural process of the tree was reminiscent of the natural way of human life where rise and fall are the main elements in limited time.

Along with being a metaphoric representation of life in general, the cherry blossom tree is believed to have deep connections with Buddhism. According to the dharma the tree was associated with the concept of ‘mono no aware’ ever since the 18th century.

sources: 
http://globerove.com/japan/japanese-cherry-blossom-trees/1582 
http://greatatmosphere.wordpress.com/tag/cherry-blossoms/

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