Team Marshall: Sakura

It's April in Japan and that means something beautiful comes to life: sakura (sah-koo-rah), otherwise known as Cherry Blossoms. I knew that Sakura were pretty and came from Japan, but I didn't realize how big of a deal they are to people in Japan until two weeks ago, when they began to bloom. The trees are gorgeous, but I still don't quite understand the huge celebration made about them, especially since EVERYTHING in Japan blooms and it is all pretty. Perhaps part of it has to do with the brevity of the blossoms' appearance. Since the blossoms only last for one week, they are often associated with the fragility of life.

Sakura up close

Sakura

People celebrate the arrival of the sakura with hanami (hah-nah-me), the centuries-old practice of picnicking under the trees. People will sit under these trees, relaxing, eating, and drinking sake. Lanterns are hung on the trees so people can enjoy their beauty at night while drinking sake. The parks are usually packed with people who make it a point to visit the sakura in bloom. Vendors sell food and bar owners bring their bars out to the parks.

Hanami, the tradition of picnicking under cherry blossom trees in the park downtown

Chocolate-dipped bananas sold by one food vendor

But even though I don't fully understand the tradition, I fully enjoyed it. Kris and I went with several other teachers to a park in Ogawara that has over 1000 sakura trees! We also got to participate in hanami on Easter Sunday at a park in downtown Sendai with people from our church, Praise Community Church. Teachers who have lived here longer say that this year's Sakura celebrations have been much different: out of solidarity for the earthquake and tsunami victims, lanterns were not hung on trees, bartenders did not bring out their goods, game booths were absent, and food vendors were limited. But we still really enjoyed it; even if it was different for them, it was still new and fun to us newbies.

We enjoyed strolling under the trees, taking pictures, relaxing, and enjoying treats like crepes and sakura-flavored ice cream. While we were at the park in downtown Sendai, we got to see a mini-parade with traditional Japanese fan dances and music. Check it out.