Cherry Blossom Season!

This is the season of pure joy, glee, and happiness. It’s a centuries-old tradition, initially celebrated by only elites who wrote poetry under these trees, but it slowly expanded to being a public festival. It begins from late March and extends till early May, varying by region. A wave of carefree happiness sweeps throughout the nation. Everyone joins in the celebrations, parks fill to the brim with picnics and outings, traditional foods are prepared, and several joyous parties are held.

During this season, everyone swoons over the blossoms and joins in the glee. Several companies send their junior staff members to claim prime spots for office meetings in parks. Traditional Japanese rice balls are the staple food at these festivals. Grilled squid skewers are also widely eaten, as sounds of joy fill the day right to the end of the night. Sometimes, the situations of chaos and crowds get out of hand, and curfews are imposed, but this still doesn’t affect the festivities. They stay undeterred.

Shops and convenience stores are filled with all things pink, whether that’s soft drinks, cakes, or textiles and homeware. But the even wilder part is the food that is made. Hamburgers with pink mayonnaise, and a cherry-scented bun. Or fries, which are seasoned with sakura-flavoured salt and served with pink, sweet dipping sauces. Everything looks heavenly, exactly like angels themselves hand-delivered these treats to the people of Japan.

This season brings back the elements of art, poetry, and music as well. Traditional blossom songs are taught in schools, and movies and anime dramas are made, surrounding this season. Sakura is also used in kimono patterns and ceramic designs. Moreover, it’s a common, favourite topic in poetry. It’s used to explain something which is so beautiful before it falls, showing just how fragile life and its situations are, and how all perfect and beautiful things are short-lived.

Nostalgia is also a feeling greatly felt during this time, along with the joy. A chance is given to reflect back on one’s life, their family, and their friends. Old memories bloom just like the trees!

This season also makes people realize the beauty of nature, with the increasing industrialization that has taken place throughout the years. Eventhough, it has brought great prosperity and ease but it has also brought increased environmental degradation. Most of the areas are mountainous and uninhabitable. Also, a high ratio of people live in flat, crowded regions, with several cramped apartments, so this festival brings them together to nature’s goodness, peace, and power by bestowing its gift of blossoms to a busy world.

Although this festival lasts until the time rainstorms knock the petals off, it is the year’s biggest and most anticipated event, inviting everyone to enjoy and celebrate!