What is cherry blossom, why is the arrival of sakura so important to the Japanese, what are Hanami parties, and where can you spot cherry blossom in the UK?
The sakura tradition has been a part of Japanese culture since the 12th century, which celebrates the beauty of cherry blossom flowers
SPRING is starting to arrive, and beautiful blossom trees can be spotted across the world.
In Japanese culture, an annual tradition celebrates the beauty of the cherry tree flowers. But what is Hanami and why are cherry blossoms so revered in Japan?
What is cherry blossom?
While cherry blossom is the term used to describe several trees of genus Prunus, its most commonly used to identify the Japanese cherry.
Some of the species to naturally produce fruit, but many have been cultivated purely for ornamental use.
The cherry tree can be spotted in countries including China, India, Canada and the USA.
Can you see cherry blossom trees in the UK?
The cherry tree has been transported to the UK and the stunning flowers can be spotted in a variety of different British locations.
Kew Gardens in London, Tatton Park in Cheshire and Batsford Arboretum in Gloucestershire are among the picturesque places that boast the blossoms.
You can also stop off at Keele University in Staffordshire to see the majestic trees.
The higher education institution has one of the UK's largest collection of flowering cherries, boasting more than 150 different varieties.
Why is the arrival of sakura so important in Japan?
Sakura is the Japanese term used to describe cherry blossom.
The East Asian nation admirers more than just the pretty blooms when it comes to the pinkish-hued flowers.
In Japanese culture, it’s custom to anticipate and track the blossoming of the cherry trees.
This tradition dates back hundreds of years and has a special symbolic meaning.
In Japan, cherry blossom is associated with the fragility of life.
While the stunning flowers are beautiful and bring joy, they only bloom for a short amount of time.
The sakura tradition is set to be explored further in tonight's episode of Springwatch in Japan.
What are Hanami parties?
The practice of hanami is another observance that dates back for centuries.
It marks the moment where residents gather together to rejoice at the newly-blossomed cherry trees.
Since the 12th century, sakura has marked the start of rice-planting season and celebrates the upcoming harvest.
To ensure a plentiful crop, Japanese rice wine sake was offered up as a sacrifice.
During the Heian period, it also became customary to hold flower-viewing parties, a tradition which still exists today.
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In modern day hanami parties, thousands of Japanese people fill the parks, feast and listen to music under the flowering trees.
Often these parties will continue into the night, which is known as yozakura, as revellers celebrate in the evening with their friends and families.
When the sun sets, lanterns are attached to the trees to keep the cherry blossoms aglow.
This date typically falls in March or April, depending on when the trees are fully bloomed.