Sakura Mystery

2024 Author: Gavin MacAdam | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 13:38

One of the most important symbols of Japan - sakura - bloomed five days earlier this year - on March 21. The official flowering date is determined by the main sakura growing in the Tokyo garden of the Yasukuni Shrine. What other interesting facts about the Japanese cherry do you know?

Japanese sakura has a very beautiful and abundant flowering, which is simply impossible not to admire it. For many inhabitants of the planet, the blossoming pink sakura flowers are associated with the beginning of spring. What is interesting about this plant, and what interesting facts are known about it?

1. Sakura is the national plant of Japan

Sakura is a real symbol of Japan. Starting spring, she gives a good mood and gives hope for the best.

2. Cherries are the favorite berry of the Japanese

The Japanese love sakura, and even produce ice cream with its flavor, which is popular not only in Japan.

3. Favorite picnic spot - under the sakura crown

For centuries, it has been the custom of the Japanese to admire cherry blossoms. This event is called "khans". The tradition was introduced by the emperors in their palace. Residents of different localities choose their places for "khans". More than 1,500 cherry blossoms have been planted in the capital's Shinjukugyoen National Park. There are 75 varieties of Japanese cherries.

Ueno Park, located in the capital of Japan, has an area of 626 thousand square meters. meters, accommodates 1100 Japanese cherry trees. In Sumida Park, the number of cherry blossoms is less - 400 specimens, but the park is popular because it uses unique lighting.

4. Cherry trees can grow to enormous sizes

The average height of Japanese cherry trees is 762 cm. However, many sakura, growing in natural conditions, reach twice the height. Moreover, their crown is up to 10 meters wide, so you can have a picnic under it, hiding from the sun.

5. Night picnics - "hanami"

According to the Japanese tradition, the inhabitants of this country arrange night picnics under the sakura trees, illuminating them with paper lanterns suspended from tree branches.

6. Japanese cherry festivals

Traditional sakura-related events are the International Japanese Cherry Festivals. For example, one of them is held annually in Washington and symbolizes the friendship between Japan and the United States.

7. Sakura is the tree of friendship between Japan and the United States

In 1912, Japan sent a batch of cherries to the United States as a sign of friendship and goodwill. Three years later, the Americans made a reciprocal gesture of friendship - they sent a flowering dogwood to the Japanese.

8. A quarrel between the USA and Japan over cherry blossoms

Japan and the United States were on the brink of a diplomatic crisis when US inspectors discovered pests and sick specimens in Japanese-donated cherry blossoms.

9. Peak cherry blossom

Sakura blossoms do not always peak at the same time. Depending on the weather, the approximate date of its flowering is March 27-April 5. Cherry blossoms for about two weeks.

10. How to calculate when trees are fully blooming?

If you want to admire the cherry blossoms in all its blooming beauty, look forward to the end of March, but stay tuned for changes in weather conditions.

11. The most wonderful scent is cherry blossoms

In Japan, perfumes with sakura blossoms, mimosa petals and sandalwood are very popular.

12. Country symbol

Japan is symbolized by the image of cherry blossoms on Mount Fuji, applied by the Japanese to postcards.

13. The homeland of sakura is not Japan

Scientists suggest that Japan is not the original homeland of sakura. Perhaps it first appeared in the Himalayas or Eurasia, and only then was it brought to Japan.

15. Sakura is considered a long-lived tree

The oldest old-timer tree is 2 thousand years old. Legend has it that this cherry was planted by the hands of the Japanese emperor Yamato Takeru. Sakura, whose trunk circumference is 13.5 meters, grows near a Buddhist temple in the Yamanashi province. The old-timer tree is today a national natural monument.

Slightly younger and smaller are two trees, which the Japanese call:

* Clean water (1500 years old, height 16.3 meters, trunk circumference reaches 9.9 meters), located in Takayama.

* Waterfall three springs. The tree is 1000 years old, the trunk has a circumference of 9.5 meters, and its height is 19 meters. You can see it in Fukushima Prefecture, Miharu.

16. Sakura flower petals are eaten

During the Japanese cherry blossom season, sakura products are actively sold on store shelves. Everyone can enjoy:

* Rice cakes wrapped in sakura leaves.

* Tea made from salted sakura petals and other goodies.

At this time, containers for going to a picnic with various snacks, desserts and cocktails are also well off the tray.