The Japanese cherry tree and its cultural significance

Japanese cherry tree in botanical classification

Of the Cherry tree Just like many other pome trees, it belongs to the rose family. When the Japanese cherry tree is mentioned, it is usually the ornamental plant of the Japanese flowering cherry - Latin: Prunus serrulata Kanzan. The origin of the tree is not clearly established. The tree, which was not originally native to Japan, was probably imported from China centuries ago.

It can grow up to ten meters high and have a treetop of four to five meters. In contrast to German cherry trees, a Japanese cherry tree usually bears no fruit.

Around half of all deciduous trees in Japan are cherry trees. It is omnipresent: in the Japanese garden at home, in parks, avenues, river banks, etc. This already makes it clear to you how important the cultural significance is, although the tree does not provide any valuable income from an agricultural point of view.

Compared to other trees, the trees bloom extremely profusely. If you've ever seen a cherry tree in full bloom, the pink inflorescence is sure to delight you. Even from afar, the lush flowers give a picturesque picture. They immerse the land in a sea of ​​deep pink flowers like no other plant can.

Japanese cherry tree - symbolism as a sign of life and death

Celebrating spring as the country's awakening from its hibernation equally implies the symbolism of life. Keep in mind that cherry blossom only lasts a short time. After the first buds have formed, the flowers only open for a few days. After about a week to ten days, the trees lose their blossoms and the spectacle is over. This flowering process symbolizes the course of life from becoming-being-passing.

As already mentioned, a Japanese cherry tree blooms comparatively profusely in contrast to other trees. The special thing about it is that the older they are, the more flowers they have. This splendor of flowers gives you the symbolism of the "blossom of life" even in old age. This shows that the older Japanese are held in high regard.

On the other hand, as magnificent as the cherry blossom is, it is also "vulnerable". It only takes a light gust of wind and the delicate petals detach from the tree and blow away. This is to remind you of the value of life and its impermanence. You as a person can literally be in the prime of your life and a stroke of fate, accident, etc. can wipe out your life in an instant.

The cherry blossom as a sign of awakening and a new beginning is carried over to many areas of everyday life for the Japanese. So not only does school start on 1. April and thus to the time immediately after flowering. The counterpart to the German Christmas bonus is also paid to employees at this time.

In addition, the cherry blossom is the most preferred time for couples to get married. A traditional custom is drinking tea made from the cherry blossoms. This should give the bride and groom and their new beginning as a life for two good luck and blessings.

The cherry blossom as a traditional festival of spring

The flowering time is mostly at the end of March. In Japan, the cherry blossom, Japanese: sakura, is therefore the most important herald of spring. It is a symbol of the awakening of flora and fauna after winter. The blossom of the cherry tree is traditionally celebrated in Japan with a large festival. This cherry blossom festival - called "Hanami" in Japanese - is the highlight and most important festival of the year.

At the time of the cherry blossom, you can watch countless Japanese people settle down with the whole family in parks and on meadows under the flowering trees. We have a picnic together and party until late at night. The Japanese enjoy the awakening of spring and the mild temperatures.

During the Hanami they celebrate together the beauty of the flowers that cover the country during this time. As a typical custom, there are traditional dance performances in temples in honor of the herald of spring.