Database: Hanami

A herald of the coming spring, cherry blossoms are cherished, especially given their very short bloom time of merely a few days. A lush but ephemeral beauty, mature petals fall overnight, carried away by the first breeze, without ever drying up on the tree. When the wind is particularly strong, blossoms fall like snowflakes, where the phrase "cherry petal snow" is derived. The short life of a cherry blossom is more sublime for passing so quickly. It is this contrast between life and death that creates a sense of 'mono no aware': the fragile beauty of a world destined to disappear. Nothing in this world can last forever and beauty is by its true essence evanescent. He who clings to life is discredited, while he who sacrifices himself is praised.

For centuries, the brief blossoming of cherry trees has been the occasion for celebrations in Japan (Hanami, meaning "going to see the flowers"), in which all take part. In an 8th century story describing the geography and customs of Hitachi there is mention of an annual festival during the cherry blossom season. People were said to dance and sing on the slopes of Mt. Tsukuba. This custom is also mentioned in The Tale of Genji, a literary work from the 11th century. It continues into the Middle Ages, with people commemorating the moment with renga poems written under flowering trees. During the period of Edo, the festival reached its peak in popularity.