sakura
Japanese Name:
桜
Romaji Name:
sakura
Description
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A cherry blossom, called "sakura" in Japanese, is a beautiful pink or white flower that blooms on cherry trees in spring. Cherry blossoms are a symbol of renewal and the fleeting nature of life, and they are celebrated with festivals in Japan and around the world.
History
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Cherry blossoms have been celebrated in Japan for over 1,000 years. The tradition of "hanami" (flower viewing) began during the Heian period (794–1185), where people admired the beauty of cherry trees blooming in spring.
Originally, hanami focused on the blossoms of the plum tree, but over time, cherry blossoms became the symbol of renewal, beauty, and the fleeting nature of life.
Cherry trees hold cultural significance in Japanese art, poetry, and folklore. The transient bloom period—lasting only about one to two weeks—reflects the Japanese aesthetic concept of "mono no aware" (awareness of impermanence).
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, cherry trees were planted in many countries as symbols of friendship, notably between Japan and the United States (e.g., the famous cherry trees in Washington, D.C. gifted in 1912).
Today, cherry blossom festivals are held worldwide, celebrating spring and cultural exchange.