The Tradition of Hanami
Cherry Blossom Viewing in Japan
When I lived in Kyoto, Japan I was lucky to see Hanami in action.  In Japan, the seasonal blooming of cherry trees is celebrated nationally in an event known as hanami (flower-viewing).Â
The practice of hanami is centuries old; it began during the 8th century, when it referred to the viewing of the ume, or plum tree. But, later, hanami was synonymous with 'sakura' - cherry - and the blossoming of the cherry trees was used to predict the next year's harvest.
Hanami was a time to perform rituals marking the start of the planting season. These rituals ended with a feast under the cherry trees, and this persists to today. Starting in late March, television weather reporters give the public daily blossom forecasts, tracking the "cherry blossom front" as it progresses from the south to the north. Families, coworkers, and friends rely on these to quickly organize hanami parties as the cherry trees begin to bloom locally.
Parks like Tokyo's famous Ueno Park become crowded with picnickers, and rowdy nighttime revels take on a festival atmosphere. Hanami at night is called yozakura, literally ‘night sakura’.
Why the cherry? The delicacy of the sakura blossom has captivated the Japanese for centuries and you can find it in many forms of Japanese art.  But the flower's delicate quality lends it a melancholy air, as well. After the cherry tree's buds open, it's just a few short days before the blooms vanish entirely -- the lovely petals all fall in a spectacular pink flurry. The blossoms' ephemeral beauty adds to its quiet allure.
I love the idea of people celebrating the trees.
It would be so lovely if all towns in the US had a tree celebration of some sort. Some could celebrate Crape Myrtles, others could celebrate Fraser Fir and others could celebrate Dogwoods. And more!
Celebrate the trees.
What beautiful comments...I have felt the idea of celebrating trees stir within when the dogwoods bloom here, or the conifers start their gorgeous show of new growth. I want to say to everyone, "Come now..." because it doesn't last long...and cherry trees...oh my. Jan, you must had stunningly beautiful moments with the cherry trees in Japan. I still want to try planting a cherry tree here...for moments of beauty, whispering petals floating...falling...bringing "quiet and bliss"...a "transfixing" moment for the soul... I wish there was a way to share our gardens' fleeting moments with others..."Come in, come in...Look at this incredible, miraculous beauty!"
DC has the cherry blossom festival, but it is now very commercialized. During the pandemic you could walk down by the Jefferson Memorial with hardly any people and truly savor the trees. I love your idea of tree festivals!!