Do you know the meaning of Hanami? We are not asking about the meaning of the word itself, but about everything it symbolizes. Well, before you think about it, let me tell you that we have to go to Japan to understand a little more about this beautiful tradition that is collected in a single word.
We already have the place and the reason is the flowers. So cherry trees quickly come to mind. Yes, the cherry blossom is one of the most important, also known as sakura when the cherry tree is in bloom. Well, they are part of Hanami, a tradition of which today we will reveal all its secrets.
What is hanami
We can define it as a japanese tradition. Of course, it is one of the most loved and followed. Since it consists of enjoying and seeing how the cherry trees bloom. That is, it is a kind of ritual in which everyone goes to specific places to see the beauty of it. This beauty is based on the fact that the cherry blossom has come to light and has covered the entire city with its pink mantle. It is certainly a really beautiful time, coloring the streets and parks with extreme sweetness. So it has become a great moment.
Where does a tradition like this come from?
It must be said that it dates back many years. Since every time the flowers were growing in the trees, that moment would mark the beginning of spring as everyone knew. But not only that but it was also the indication that the rice planting season. In addition to indicating the specific time within a year, it must be said that these types of trees were considered sacred.
Since they believed that the gods lived within them. Therefore, when the beginning of the harvest arrived and it was in flower, it was translated as that the deities were attentive to help the harvest to be good. Therefore, religious history is said to be the first basis of the hanami tradition. The arrival of spring but also the descent of the gods to earth, in the form of help.
But it is true that little by little he stopped taking the religious base and there are also many people who are related to the samurai. That is, a representation of being able to die while still in the prime of life. Moreover, there is a legend that says that at first the flowers were white, but that little by little they stained with the blood of the warriors and took on the pink hue that we know.
When can we see this flower show
It is said that already at the end of February the first flowers begin to sprout. Little by little and until May there will be a progression in each area of the country. Since they will first appear in the southern area and little by little they will go up to the north, which will be the last to see the show. Although the area that always has the scoop is okinawa island, since at the beginning of March you will already have the cherry blossoms. Unlike Hokkaido, which will be the other counterpoint, since until the beginning of May they will not be celebrating this tradition. Sometimes we are surprised that it can be seen blooming even at the end of January, although it is not usually the most common.
Traditional places to celebrate Hanami
Although these trees already occupy the many corners of the country, there are always more visited areas. Some of them are the Ueno Park in Tokyo or in Kyoto the Heian Shrine or Kamogawa. While in Osaka the key point is centered in the Castle Park and in Nara, also in the park that bears his name. On the other hand, in Hokkaido we have the Goryokaku Castle Park and in Okinawa, the Nakijin Castle.
Of course, today the party brings everyone together in different parks or mountains and areas where you can find the cherry tree, which is in every corner. More than tradition, it has become a great party where they usually meet to eat and drink until the sun goes down. So right now it's more festive than contemplative. Still, everyone celebrates that they are surrounded by a unique atmosphere, which is covered with a beautiful cloak and full of traditions as well as legends. For as long as it passes, these trees remain sacred.
Therefore, you must go to one of those places, reserve your space to be able to sit at ease in the parks, enjoy an afternoon or the whole day there. The experience is unique and relaxing. Sometimes you can get away from the city and enjoy more nature or the banks of the river. Be that as it may, the main thing is to live it at least once in your life.