How is the Cherry Blossom Festival Celebrated
Discovering the beauty and significance of the Cherry Blossom Festival
The Cherry Blossom Festival is an annual event, celebrated in Japan and other countries around the world. It celebrates the beauty of cherry blossom trees blooming all over a particular region or even country, often starting at the end of March to early April for about two weeks. During this time people gather with family and friends to view these beautiful trees in person as well as celebrate joyous occasions like weddings, or attend hanami (flower viewing) parties, while eating food such as bento boxes that are usually present at picnics outdoors under the picturesque cherry blossom’s canopies.
At these outdoor celebrations, most attendees bring their own mats called tatami so they have something comfortable upon which to sit. Various groups also host large events near temples and shrines complete with stage performances such as dance routines featuring traditional Japanese music instruments like drums. In Tokyo alone there are numerous festivals taking place throughout different prefectures each year, some lasting multiple days and attracting thousands who ride out from hours away just to see the spectacular views of these majestic pink petals filling the air everywhere you look!
For those not able to make it due to weather conditions or bad timing, online streaming services now offer virtual experiences, allowing viewers to get an up-close glimpse into the lives of both locals and foreigners celebrating overseas without ever leaving the comforts of home. Live cam footage like this makes it easier than ever to connect cultures across the globe no matter how far away you might be.
One way many cities take part in the festival festivities is through lantern lighting ceremonies held in public parks or other special locations. These lantern ceremonies run late at night – waiting until it’s finally dark enough – highlighting gorgeous displays of delicately lit decorations adorning walkways between dozens of rows of colorful hanging paper lamps in all sorts of colors. Ultimately creating a magical atmosphere within an area surrounded by a natural greenery thicket of spring foliage being illuminated alongside the ambient glow of fireworks being set off in the distance. The Cherry Blossom Festival and its accompanying events capture the heart of every spectator witnessing the breathtaking sight first hand.
The Cherry Blossom Festival, or sakura matsuri as it’s known in Japan, has been celebrated since the Heian Period (794-1192). During this time period nobles would gather to enjoy hanami – literally “flower viewing.” It also became popular for samurais and even commoners who gathered under cherry trees to have a picnic.
Today's festival is still very much influenced by traditional customs from centuries ago when people used seasonality markers such as agricultural events and solstices to track their calendars rather than the Western dates that are recognized today. This means observing the clues that nature provides as to the timing of certain festivals like Sakura Matsuri – which typically takes place between March 20th – April 10th depending on the geographical location within Japan due to climate variations across its regions.
Because of these slight differences each year you can expect peak bloom times to vary slightly too, but regardless everyone looks forward in anticipation with excitement! While there isn't one specific day every year that marks National Sakura Matsuri Day, festivities take place throughout springtime so if you're visiting during this season chances are good there will be something happening nearby, no matter where your travels may lead! With over 5000 different varieties found around the country spotting beautiful blooms wherever you go won't ever get old.
The Cherry Blossom Festival is celebrated around the world in many different countries. The festival celebrates the blooming of cherry blossom trees, which are often seen as symbols of life’s fleeting beauty and mortality.
In China's capital, Beijing, each year people visit their local parks filled with rows upon rows of perfect white-pink flowers that bloom from late March until mid April during full moon nights on every corner like an enchanting dreamy playground. It's also traditional to take pictures holding special sakura umbrellas while enjoying delicious hot pot dinners among family members or friends after watching performances such as the lion dance show at night time! This same tradition can be found throughout other Chinese cities including Shanghai and Guangzhou but usually last only 10 days due its more extreme weather conditions compared to those northern Provinces near the Korea/Japan borderline region.
South Korean folk have taken the celebration a step further, creating a whole month dedicated just to hanami festivals, hosting lots of interesting attractions ranging from flower arranging classes, arts and crafts, calligraphy workshops, lantern parades, street parties, and fireworks shows.
Last but not least, in the United States, Washington DC has become arguably the most iconic place to celebrate the annual Sakura Matsuri festival. It’s hosted at the National Mall, located at the very center of the District of Columbia’s long stretch of road lined by thousands of delicate branches adorned with soft pale-colored leaves. A simply captivating view that you can’t miss out on seeing if you’re ever in the area at that time of year.