03/27/2026
Flowers and Love:
Japan’s Hanami Viewing Parties and the Symbolism of the Cherry Blossom
Each year, the country of Japan celebrates cherry blossom season with Hanami or viewing parties. Food and Sake are part of these celebrations which have been occurring for more than 1000 years. It is believed Hanami first started at some point in the eighth century.
The cherry blossom is a fragile and beautiful flower, and appears annually for only a brief a time. Emerging blossoms represent hope, beauty, and new life. As such, the significance of Hanami means much more in Japanese culture. This is a time to honour loved ones and ancestors. The short time of the bloom is a metaphor to the limited time we share with those who we care about. These blooms are here and then gone, symbolizing the transience of life. The cherry blossom sends us a message about the importance to live life in the moment.
Hanami season typically runs from March through to early May every year. That said, in some parts of the country trees begin to bloom as early as January. Though there are no set dates for the season, peak blooms are witnessed usually in a two-week period beginning the last week of March, with Cherry Blossom Day set on March 27th.
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