Cherry blossom season is approaching. Be careful not to blink or you might miss it. Since
when does a week of something qualify as a full season? Sure, sakura are pretty to look at
but why make such a big deal over a tree with a bad case of dandruff?
I asked a friend of mine to educate me on the subject of sakura (cherry blossoms) in case
I was missing something. Here’s what I found out:
Hanami, or cherry blossom viewing, has been an annual custom since the seventh century.
Hanami was originally an amusement only for aristocrats. They enjoyed looking at the
cherry blossoms and writing poems all day long. Even today, people have a good time under
the cherry blossoms, eating and drinking sake.
Of course we have a good time drinking sake. Give me enough sake and I can watch a dog
relieve himself and think it’s beautiful. I could probably write a pretty good poem
about it as well.
The Japanese have long thought of sakura as the flower that symbolizes the nation. I guess
that a flower which only lasts a week and makes a big mess is an appropriate symbol for
this post-bubble economy.
The way its petals fall while still at the height of their beauty was interpreted by the
old warrior class as symbolic of resignation and grace in death, qualities which the
warriors rated highly. Given a choice of grace in death or shame in life, I’d choose
shame every time. I was never much of a warrior...more of a worrier.
Hanami involves going out to places such as parks to enjoy oneself leisurely while
appreciating the beautifully-bloomed cherry blossoms. The custom in Japan is to “do
hanami” with family, colleagues, or friends. People spread a mat under the cherry
blossoms, drink sake, sing songs and enjoy the coming of spring.
Sounds beautiful. Now let’s talk about the mounds of garbage that pile up around
every cherry blossom tree. I think the government’s reverse logic is that if there
aren’t any trash receptacles in the park then no one will leave garbage. Sorry
Sherlock, but it doesn’t work that way.
Hanami at the cemetery baffles me. Don’t you find going to Aoyama cemetery to watch
flowers die a bit creepy? Whenever I go there I check out the foreigner section and wonder
why the names never change and if they are saving a spot for me.
Please don’t think I’m a total scrooge. Cherry blossoms are pretty to look at
and provide a good excuse to drink during the day. I just prefer to honor a flower that
hangs around a bit longer so the hanami parties can continue all year. If you are planning
to have a great hanami party then please invite me. Just make sure that you do not run out
of sake and please do not have it in the foreign section of Aoyama cemetery.
Many thanks to contributor Steve Bernstein for this Rant and Rave.
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