photo credit: Paul Frederiksen
photo credit: Paul Frederiksen
When I’m asked, “Where do you want to go in the near future Jasmine?”
I answer, “Japan”.
Then they ask, “Why? Wouldn’t that be hard since you don’t know much Japanese? Shouldn’t you go first to a place where there are more english speaking people?”
I answer, “I’m after the cherry blossom trees. I want to see them in full bloom.”
True and simple. I want to see Japan’s famous flower. I want to see them in full bloom and gently falling down from their branches. Even from only watching Japanese movies, falling cherry blossoms mystify me, calms me, and brings into me a serenity I cannot describe. Is it mother nature’s mysterious hand easing life’s burdens, or merely a psychological trigger to quiet the soul?
Either way, the cherry trees has brought about many meanings, joy and solemnity into the lives of the Japanese and other people around the world. Is it a wonder that the world knows of the cherry blossom festival. It is truly amazing how a simple flower could garner such popularity across the globe.
Cherry blossoms carry various meanings, as depicted below:
1. Cherry blossoms date back to the 18th century wherein the transience of the blossoms portray extreme beauty and quick death, thus its tie to mortality. Because of this reason, cherry blossoms are richly utilized in Japanese art, film, anime, manga, etc.
2. Cherry blossoms signify good omen for love. It also represents affection and spring. It is used as a metaphor too for fleeing nature of life.
3. This flower offers an important role in Japan’s samurai culture. Like cherry blossoms, samurais expect to have short loves. The flower represents drops of blood.
4. In China, the cherry blossom is associated with women’s dominance and beauty as well as feminine sexuality.
Whenever I see this flower, I am truly amazed for its simple complexity. :)
The video below is very calming. You can save or bookmark it so you can watch it everytime you are stressed out. It’s like having a video zen at your disposal. :)
Cherry Blossoms Blizzard video
