Sakura- Hanami

Sakura with the other name of its, cherry blossom is a national flower of Japan which has a significant value for the Japanese as it represents the end of the winter and begining of a new life and season of spring. They celebrate the event every year in spring.
Hanami means looking at the flowers, but it is used for a unique flower, ''sakura''; in particular. It is unique for Japanese people and for their culture as it only in full bloom for few days. It is a very beautiful moment, but also sad and melancholic, too, since they fall from the trees. It makes feel a little gloomy as it reminds that all life must come to an end.

However, it is not a depressing experience. The Japanese are doing this to have a good time. They eat, drink, sing song, tell stories, laugh and enjoy, if even just for a few hours. When the sakura are full bloom, they display fireworks which make people have a smile in their face. Every year, weather services and media closely follow the event and indicates the opening of the first blossoms and this shows that they really care about this event so much. 

  

There are over one hundred cherry tree variates in Japan,but far the most popular cherry tree is Somei Yoshino. Most of them are ligth pink to white blossoms, but there are also dark pink, yellow or green ones.

    

Somei Yoshino cultivated during Edo Period. It is slightly pink and almost white.

Today, Japanese people continue the tradition of Hanami gathering in great numbers whenever the flowering trees found. They take part in the processional walks through the parks. This is a form of retreat for contemplating and renewing their spirits. ''Dead bodies are buried under the chery trees'' is a popular saying about Hanami.

 

Hanami has become popular outside of Japan, as well such as United States, Taiwan, Korea, China, The Philippines and Georgia. It is also popular in several Europian countries, for example; Finland. In Macon, Georgia there is a festival called International Cherry Blossom Festival.