Japan is an amazing country with a unique culture and rich history. For us, the Japanese with their attitude to life will forever remain a mystery. Well, it is not given to practical Europeans and to us, daring Russians, to understand Eastern philosophy, their worldview, attitude to nature and surrounding things. Only at the time when the sakura blossoms, we have the opportunity to understand the unknown. After all, for the Japanese it has a sacred meaning.
Sakura (or serrated cherry) is a symbol of Japan. This type of cherry belongs to the rose family. It blooms with white and pink flowers in late March, before the leaves open. The flowering period is short. The most persistent flowers last only a week. Then the plant does not distinguish itself. But this particular week, when the sakura blossoms, people have the opportunity to understand how beautiful the world we live in is, and how fragile it is. The Japanese believe that every flower is the destiny of a child.
Although sakura belongs to a variety of cherry trees, it does not produce fruits, the plant is ornamental. Of course, in Japan there is also a fruit-bearing cherry, it is called sakurambo, it produces fruits of pink and red color. But the Japanese also have not only lofty feelings for sakura, they also eat its flower petals and leaves.
The time when sakura blossoms is called "hanami" in Japan - admiring the flowers. This is an ancient tradition. The basis for it was laid by the courtiers of the imperial court several tens of centuries ago. At first it was just a fashion - during the flowering of the scurvy, spend many hours in flowering gardens, compose poetry and reflect on the meaning of life. Gradually, this tradition spread among the nobility, usually quickly reacting to palace trends, and then went to the people. And then it became not just a way to prove the subtlety of one's nature, but acquired a deep philosophical meaning, because the transience of cherry blossoms reminds everyone of
how short our life is, and that it should not be wasted. This is how the legend began. It gradually spread throughout the world. Now sakura is not just a symbol of Japan, but above all the embodiment of female beauty. And hanami has firmly entered Japanese culture.
For today's Japanese, the cherry blossom season is a big celebration. As you know, Japan is a country located on islands stretched from north to south. Accordingly, sakura blossoms everywhere in different ways. There are fans in the country who move fromfrom one prefecture to another in order to see this magic for as long as possible. Residents are warned about this important event in advance. On a significant day, in the gardens where flowering begins, almost everyone gathers - from young to old. Classes are canceled in schools, and a day off is given in production. People gather in parks and gardens to see this miracle and keep it in their memory for the whole year. This day turns into a kind of national picnic, where you can admire the rare beauty and enjoy your favorite dishes, enjoy communication with wildlife.
