Introduction to Sakura
Sakura trees, or cherry blossom trees (ornamental trees not to be confused with cherry trees that produce cherries for eating), are very important in Japan. There are fewer than 100 species of trees that are strictly regarded as sakura trees, but there are dozens of cultivars and hybrids, as well. These trees have white to pink flowers, and most species bloom in early to mid spring (mid-March to mid-April), though a handful of species bloom in early winter. While the genus that sakura trees belong to is spread across the Northern hemisphere, it became particularly important in Japanese culture because the Japanese species have large, beautiful flowers. Japanese species are also highly mutable to produce desirable traits in cultivars, such as being double-flowered and having a strong fragrance. Many sakura trees are clones of each other: when one tree is produced with desirable traits, cuttings are taken and either planted or grafted to produce identical trees.
Hanami
Hanami, which can be translated as cherry blossom viewing, is the Japanese custom of eating lunch and drinking sake under sakura trees. The practice is many hundreds of years old and is regarded as a chance to relax and enjoy the beautiful view of the blooming sakura.
I tried my best to do a small hanami while in Tokyo, in Chidorigafuchi Park. However, I was a little late for peak sakura season, I substituted a coat in place of a proper picnic blanket, and the food was more “mid-afternoon snack” than lunch. But it was a very calming experience nonetheless, and I appreciated the opportunity to just sit and observe the sakura trees.
More on Sakura in Japan
Japanese people are very fond of the sakura. It is special to them. It is both a sign and symbol of spring, and predicts the weather getting warmer. Sakura flowers also symbolize the start of something new, and they are particularly tied to the end of an old school year and the beginning of a new one. Because of the timing of graduation and entrance ceremonies during sakura season, they are also viewed with sentimentality. Japanese people hope for the sakura to be blooming during these ceremonies, but sakura season has started to shift to be earlier due to climate change.
Japanese people generally view sakura trees in a very positive light. They are beautiful and cheerful. While the sakura don’t have a particularly strong color, they have a special atmosphere due to how many of them blossom – during the peak season, the trees look like clouds. Different sakura varieties bloom each week during sakura season, so there are always new flowers to enjoy. The Japanese people don’t feel overexposed to or bored with sakura motifs – in contrast to my experience with some American cultural motifs! However, they do feel a gentle sadness or wistfulness when the sakura flowers wilt, and after the blossoming season, in May, some people are less happy about the trees because they attract lots of insects.
Many thanks to my Japanese colleagues for answering my questions about what the Japanese people think and feel about sakura.
Sakura flowers are also associated with the Japanese concept of mono no aware (moh-noh noh ah-wah-reh), which is an idiom and philosophy about the concept of impermanence, and being a little sad both by the passing of something transient (such as flowers or weather) and the fact that this transience is embedded into everyday life. Sakura motifs are included in all manner of art and literature, including traditional irezumi (Japanese tattoos), and are also added to all manner of consumer goods in Japan. The sakura is embedded deep in Japanese culture.
Other Uses of Sakura
I was entirely unaware that the flowers and leaves of sakura are edible, and they are used in a variety of sweets in Japan. Powdered sakura can be added to bread and bean paste to add a flowery flavor, and the leaves are pickled and used in sakuramochi. I have found that sakura pastries are absolutely delicious, and I wish they were available outside of Japan. At least sakura powder seems to be available on Amazon, for those who bake.
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