Japan is known around the world for its cherry blossom festivals. Known as hanami in Japanese, cherry blossom festivals are an important tradition and are held all over Japan during the spring. Hanami literally means “viewing flowers,” and the tradition can be traced back at least a thousand years. Hanami is the ancient tradition of going to enjoy the blooming of cherry blossoms in parks and throughout the countryside in Japan. Cherry blossoms are a symbolic flower of the spring, a time of renewal, and the fleeting nature of life. During this season people like to have cherry blossom parties with colleagues, friends, and family. They drink and eat, making the tradition of blossom-viewing more like a picnic under the trees. A cherry blossom makes people merry. Schools and offices hold welcome parties during hanami, a chance for people to bond and meet new friends. |
