Flower Viewing Festival In Japan
Spring is the most beautiful season of the year, I think. The trees and flowers start to bloom, and it’s one of the most beautiful sights in the world.
In some countries people celebrate the arrival of spring and organize flower viewing festivals.
One such country is Japan. There are many traditional festivals in this wonderful country, and the spring festival — Hanami (“flower viewing” in Japanese) — is one of them.
Hanami -- the traditional “flower viewing” festival — traces its roots back to the Heian period (794–1185). The exquisite aristocracy of that period enjoyed spending hours under the blooming Sakura trees. This beautiful tradition passed through many ages and became one of the most favorite customs of modern Japan.
By “flower viewing” people usually mean viewing the blooming of the Japanese cherry, knows as Sakura. Though, there are other Hanamies as well (for example, in the end of February the Japanese enjoy the blooming of the Japanese plum, called Ume).
Sakura usually starts to bloom at the end of March or in the beginning April, and its blooming lasts for only one or two weeks. So, the Japanese don’t miss the chance to admire the beauty of the blooming Sakura.
During the Hanami festival most of the Japanese people gather to picnic under cherry trees, eat rice and drink light alcoholic drinks. They can celebrate Hanami till late night.
The scholastic year in Japan begins in April, and Hanami may coincide with that period. In this case it grows into a double festive party that welcomes the scholastic year and the spring advent.
Isn’t it wonderful to spend even one day in your life in such a marvelous cherry atmosphere? I bet it will be one of the most unforgettable days of your life, so don’t waste time! April is at hand, so now it’s the best time to visit Japan.
Photo © [inactive]
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