History of Japanese cherry blossoms

Japan and Cherry Blossoms

Cherry blossoms are deeply associated with Japanese culture and history. Cherry blossom viewing is a popular spring tradition and an opportunity for people to feel a sense of new beginnings and hope. In addition, cherry blossoms often appear in artistic expressions such as literature, painting, and music, and are regarded as a symbol of Japan's aesthetic sense and sensibility. During the cherry blossom season, famous cherry blossom viewing spots all over Japan become crowded. Cherry blossom viewing attracts many tourists, and cherry blossom viewing spots have great value as tourist destinations. Events and festivals held during the cherry blossom season also attract tourists. Cherry blossoms are an important element for Japanese people to feel in harmony with nature and the changing seasons. By enjoying cherry blossom viewing and cherry blossom tunnels, people feel connected to nature and calm their minds.

History of Japanese cherry blossoms

Nara Period

In Japanese poetry, the word ``flower'' referred to plum blossoms. In the Manyoshu, there were only 44 poems about cherry blossoms compared to 118 poems about plum blossoms. The aristocrats of the Nara period liked and appreciated plum blossoms, and plum blossoms were the mainstream when it came to cherry blossom viewing at that time.

Heian Period

The status of cherry blossoms became special during the Heian period, and as Japanese culture developed, the popularity of cherry blossoms gradually increased, and when people spoke of ``flowers,'' they came to mean cherry blossoms. In Kokin Wakashu (905), there are 70 poems about cherry blossoms and 18 poems about plums, which is a reversal of popularity. Emperor Saga was the person who held the oldest cherry blossom viewing in Japan, and cherry blossom viewing parties hosted by the emperor began to be held every year, and cherry blossom viewing became popular among the aristocracy, who actively planted cherry blossoms in their gardens. . Sakon's cherry blossoms are said to have originally been plum trees, but it is said that Emperor Ninmyo, who loved cherry blossoms, replanted them with cherry blossoms after the plum trees in the palace withered during his reign.

Azuchi-Momoyma Period

Toyotomi Hideyoshi had 700 cherry blossoms planted at Daigoji Temple, and on March 15, 1598 (April 20, 1598), he held a grand cherry blossom viewing attended by his close relatives and feudal lords. It is famous for its cherry blossom viewing.

Edo Period

The Sumida River rose rapidly due to long rains, causing damage to rural areas.
It is said that Tokugawa Yoshimune proposed to embankment the entire Sumida River by planting cherry trees. It is said that by planting cherry trees, many people gathered and the ground was trodden and became a natural embankment. Because of this story, there are many cherry blossoms along rivers all over the country.

Meiji Period

One of the most famous cherry blossoms is the Yoshino cherry tree, and the Somei Yoshino cherry tree was created in Somei Village (Toshima Ward, Tokyo) during the Meiji period, and was bred based on the Yoshino cherry tree. Therefore, although the name includes "Yoshino," it is actually a variety grown in Tokyo, not in the Yoshinoyama area. However, Someiyoshino cherry trees were cultivated based on the Yoshino cherry tree, and its beauty and characteristics have been inherited from the Yoshino cherry tree. Therefore, Yoshino cherry blossoms and Somei Yoshino cherry trees are closely related.

 

During the reconstruction period after World War II, cherry blossoms were considered important as symbols of hope and rebirth, and many cherry blossom trees were planted. Even in modern times, cherry blossom viewing has become an integral part of spring and is enjoyed by many people.

　　　　　　Japanese cherry blossoms are not only beautiful, but also have cultural significance, symbolizing the changing seasons and the fragility of life.