Top Story: 8. April 2008

Sakura Blossoms

Japanese sakura finished blooming. Now most of the leaves have already fallen. Depending of the species of the trees, some still have a bit their white clothing on. But the spring wind seems to blow the last petals off soon.

This year the weather could have been better. The weekend when sakura was most corgeous happened to be cold and rainy. But then, it could be that the cold weather prolonged the time when blossoms bloomed.

Japanese people traditionally enjoy o hanami matsuri with their friends and family on blue carpet which was spread under cherry trees. Most common food is onigiri, accompanied by beer or Japanese sake. Young people bring snack like Pringles.

But some enjoy cherry blossom viewing in their own way, silently observing every turn of the nature.

It seems like the common crowd does not have time to wonder the mystery of this strange tree which blooms once per year, for such a short time.

Every now and then, you might notice someone gazing up to the tree, like looking for some invisible bird, with nostalgic look in their eyes.

And children play in fresh spring air, trying to catch the falling petals of sakura.

The sakura trees in residential areas are well protected and when you take a walk into any residential area, you might find a more a several hundred years old tree in middle of the houses.

Japanese truly respect sakura.

The peak in which sakura blooms, happens to be the season when new school semester begins. There is an obvious symbolism to this, the freshly bloomed petals fall from the tree and new, green leaves are exposed.

The old ends,and new begins in Japan during this season.

One must observe this season well.

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