CHERRY BLOSSOM ENTHUSIASM
THE SEASON IS COMING
THE SEASON IS COMING
I saw a picture of cherry blossoms in Matsumoto in the newspaper yesterday. But they're not yet here in Saku. This is one of the last places to see cherry blossoms, and it makes me displeased or irritated in this season every year... Every day I walk around in my garden and check the cherry trees. "How are you this year? I'm really waiting for you!" I speak to them, but the buds are still small and hard. Anyway, they will bloom in ten days or so, and I'm already excited!
You must be surprised to see the cherry blossom forecast, (when the blossoms will bloom in the area), on TV or papers. Yes, we are excited about the cherry blossoms in this season. Why are the cherry blossoms special for us? One reason is that they are the symbol of spring, they tell us that spring has come. But it's not enough, I think . We love their color, their shape, their fragrance, their short life, and so on... When we say just "hana (flower or blossom)" in Japanese poems or literature, it means cherry blossoms. "Hanami" means going to watch the cherry blossoms.
"Hanami" doesn't mean just watching blossoms, but also having a picnic under the blossoms. You will find people eating and drinking (a lot!) under the blossoms. We have a saying, "Hana yori dango." It means, "food is better,or more important, than blossoms." Yes, some people are doing "hanami" without watching blossoms. But isn't it wonderful to have a picnic under the beautiful cherry blossoms? So, a lot of families and friends go out to enjoy the blossoms, and they are a happy sight.
WHERE TO GO FOR HANAMI?
You must be surprised to see the cherry blossom forecast, (when the blossoms will bloom in the area), on TV or papers. Yes, we are excited about the cherry blossoms in this season. Why are the cherry blossoms special for us? One reason is that they are the symbol of spring, they tell us that spring has come. But it's not enough, I think . We love their color, their shape, their fragrance, their short life, and so on... When we say just "hana (flower or blossom)" in Japanese poems or literature, it means cherry blossoms. "Hanami" means going to watch the cherry blossoms.
"Hanami" doesn't mean just watching blossoms, but also having a picnic under the blossoms. You will find people eating and drinking (a lot!) under the blossoms. We have a saying, "Hana yori dango." It means, "food is better,or more important, than blossoms." Yes, some people are doing "hanami" without watching blossoms. But isn't it wonderful to have a picnic under the beautiful cherry blossoms? So, a lot of families and friends go out to enjoy the blossoms, and they are a happy sight.
WHERE TO GO FOR HANAMI?
Park in In Nagano, there are many places that are famous for cherry blossoms. For example, Takato Town in the Ina area, Matsumoto Castle, JouyamaNagano City, Ueda Castle, or Komoro Kaikoen. But you don't necessarily have to go those places, I think. We Japanese people love cherry blossoms so much, and so we plant cherry trees everywhere: in the gardens of temples or shrines, around school yards, parks and other public buildings, on the banks of the rivers or ponds, and along the roads. Ask your Japanese friends where to go, and they will tell you or take you to a good place, I believe. Or, walk around your area and find your favorite place. I usually visit some places to enjoy the blossoms. They are Kaikoen in Komoro City, Nagano Bokujo in Saku City, one small road side near my house and some school yards in Mochizuki. Did you know that KomoroHigashi JHS has big old cherry trees along the gate way, and the students walk through an amazing pink tunnel into the school building?!
FUN with CHERRY BLOSSOMS
FUN with CHERRY BLOSSOMS
Do you know that there are many kinds of cherry blossoms? In January, I went to Izu to see kawazusakura, which is the earliest cherry blossom to bloom. In 
May, we can enjoy mountain cherry blossoms among the young leaves of other trees. Sakuramochi, mochi wrapped with a cherry leaf is a popular sweet in this season. Some people enjoy cherry blossom tea. You will find the color and the shape of cherry blossoms everywhere in this season. Oh, I'm really waiting for the blossoms, but it was a cold rainy day today....
May, we can enjoy mountain cherry blossoms among the young leaves of other trees. Sakuramochi, mochi wrapped with a cherry leaf is a popular sweet in this season. Some people enjoy cherry blossom tea. You will find the color and the shape of cherry blossoms everywhere in this season. Oh, I'm really waiting for the blossoms, but it was a cold rainy day today.... 
No comments:
Post a Comment