Hanami

"In Japan, cherry trees, called "sakura," and cherry blossom flowers themselves are held in the highest esteem.
For thousands of years, the Japanese people have celebrated hanami annually.
Hanami are basically parties organized to view blossoming cherry trees.

Originally, the purpose of hanami excursions was to ponder the transient nature of life, as the cherry blossom blooming season is so short.
This concept ties in with Buddhist thinking about the nature of life.

The cherry blossom was also important to the Samurai culture of Japan. Like cherry blossoms, Samurai expected to have short lives. The cherry blossom also represented drops of blood."

© Laura Evans


This Cherry tree is not, unfortunately, in Japan.

It is a little closer to home, in the grounds of Brierywood Hotel.