The topic of Matsumi Ladies Clinic Mita English blog in April is about flowers and aromatherapy.

An exciting season has arrived.

Colorful flowers start to bloom in spring.

In the first part, I create an article focusing on “Hanami”, that is Japanese cherry blossom festivals in April.

 

Many people love soaking up the atmosphere of spring.

Every year, cherry blossom festivals take place across Japan.

Presumably, this flower is the most loved amongst millions of flowers in Japan.

 

Do you ever wonder the reason?

Here, I will introduce fascinating facts and backstories.

Let’s start with cherry trees’ longevity.

Most cherry trees survive for 16-20 years, while black cherry trees can live for up to 250 years.

It immigrated from Himalaya before the prehistoric age, and now, over 300 kinds are in Japan.

 

Surprisingly, “Hanami” has been around us for such a long time.

According to studies, this festival began in Heian period (794-1185), where emperors and members of the Imperial Palace started to enjoy feasts under blooming cherry trees.

It became accessible for commoners as time went by.

“Hanami” is an authentic tradition, not just a party.

 

Blooming of cherry blossoms lasts just a couple of weeks in spring.

The short lifespan is often likened to a woman’s beauty.

 

Nowadays, cherry blossoms are seen internationally.

Amsterdam has more than 400 trees which were donated by a Japanese organization, and all the trees have Dutch female and male names.

 

In the United States, breaking a branch of a cherry tree is a criminal offence.

I will introduce a famous cherry tree myth created by biographers of George Washington, late USA president.

 

When George Washington was six years old, he got a hatchet as a gift and damaged his father’s cherry tree.

His father found and got furious, but young George bravely confessed,

“I can’t tell a lie, I cut it with my hatchet.”

His father embraced him and was impressed by his son’s honesty.

 

In America, the story is still passed down from generation to generation to teach children the value of honesty.

 

We cannot enjoy “Hanami” in this spring.

However, let’s admire beautiful cherry blossoms at “Hanami” in the next spring!