Hanami, or the cherry blossom viewing, is a popular festival
in Japan. It is usually celebrated from February to early May throughout Japan,
depending on the location; though cherry blossoms last only for about two weeks
at one location. It signifies the arrival of the spring season. Sakura, or the
cherry blossom, is the national flower of Japan. It signifies the last year’s
harvest. It also indicates the rice-planting season.
Emperor Saga of the Heian Period started this practice. He
held flower-viewing parties and feasts under the sakura (cherry blossom) trees
in the IMperialCourt in Kyoto. Soon this practise was adopted by the samurai
class and then the entire Japanese society[1].
One of the first places to celebrate hanami is Kawazu in Izu
Peninsula. Here, celebrations start as early as February. A ferry ride along
the Kawazu River is a must; it is flanked by cherry trees on both sides and
continues for about four kilometres, it practically is a cherry blossom tunnel.
Another place for sakura viewing is Mt. Yoshino. It has about 30000 cherry
trees on its slopes and hence, is a visual treat for people going to
pilgrimage. From a distance, these trees look like beautiful pink clouds hovering
over the mountain. And at Hirosaki Castle, they are even lit up at night. In
Tokyo, Shinjuku Goen garden is famous for hanami; in fact, so famous, it is
usually crowded[2].
Traditionally, parties and feasts are held under the cherry
trees, which are usually followed by sake-drinking (Japanese wine). Today, it
is a get together and people organize picnics, play games and hold
sake-drinking contests. Even food stalls spring up at these spots.
Hanami also appears in a lot of Japanese poems; anime such
as Fairy Tail and Hyouka; paintings etc.
Hanami is also famous outside Japan. Festivals are conducted
in Korea, Taiwan, the Phillipines, China and USA. Ironically, Macon in Georgia
is deemed the capital of cherry blossoms in the world. Parties are held in
Washington D. C. and New York. It is popular in Europe as well, especially in
Finland.
Deepali
Mehta
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