There is something magical about spring – growing up in London it was always about daffodils, crocuses and tulips.
…that was all to change after spending my first spring in Osaka and celebrating o-hanami.
Cherry blossom (Sakura 桜 ) in Japan signals spring, but it means so much more…it holds a very special significance in the cultural life of the country and its people. Predictions are made as to when the first blooms will be seen in southern, tropical Okinawa and timelines are made to show how the blossoms can be tracked moving up towards Hokkaido from March to April. There is an excitement in the air and families get ready for picnics or Hanami (literally – flower viewing) under the cherry trees in full bloom. There are seasonal treats such as Sakura mochi – sweets wrapped in delicate cherry leaves.
What makes this time period so special is the ephemeral nature of the blossom…its arrival is spectacular and then before you know it, it’s over!
Haiku have been written about this season – R. H. Blyth translated Basho’s haiku:
さまざまの事おもひ出す櫻かな
Samazama no koto omoidasu sakura kana
How many, many things
They call to mind
These cherry-blossoms!
In London we are so lucky to have cherry trees in several of the parks – my favourites being Greenwich Park and Regents Park. O-hanami is a tradition that I brought back with me and every year it reminds me of that excitement in my local park in Osaka, Takamatsu, Okayama and Tokyo.
Another celebration of spring is Holi (the Hindu festival) and last but not least is one that is close to my heart – Navroz (new day) which we observe on the 21st March every year… Navroz Mubarak!