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 It is that time of the year again where all the Japanese will be heading out to view the blossoming of the cherry trees with friends and their bento boxes. But do you really know the reason behind this annual tradition?
...If not, then let us enlighten you.
According to Wikipedia, Hanami or "flower viewing" is the Japanese traditional custom of enjoying the beauty of flowers, "flower" in this case almost always meaning cherry blossoms (sakura), or ume blossoms (ume). From late March to early May, sakura bloom all over Japan. The blossom forecast is announced each year by the weather bureau, and is watched carefully by those planning hanami parties as the blossoms only last a week or two. In modern-day Japan, hanami parties mostly consist of having an outdoor party beneath the cherry blossom trees (sakura) during daytime or at night.
Today, the Japanese people continue the tradition of hanami, gathering in great numbers wherever the flowering trees are found. Thousands of people fill the parks to enjoy feasts of food and drink under the flowering trees, and sometimes these parties go on until late at night. In more than half of Japan, the cherry blossoming period coincides with the beginning of the scholastic and fiscal years, and so welcoming parties are often opened with hanami. The Japanese people continue the tradition of hanami by taking part in the processional walks through the parks. This is a form of retreat for contemplating and renewing their spirits.
An interesting tidbit is that the teasing proverb "dumplings rather than flowers" (hana yori dango) hints at the real priorities for most cherry blossom viewers, meaning that people are more interested in the food and drinks that accompany a hanami party rather than actually viewing the flowers themselves).
The ANZCCJ and the TJCS usually host hanami parties each spring and invite you to come out and enjoy some Japanarama. Please visit www.anzccj.jp and www.tjcs.jp for details of their respective hanami parties.
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