Hanami (花見) means “flower viewing” in Japanese.  The springtime is the prime season for viewing flowers, especially sakura (さくら) flowers.  Sakura (さくら) is a cherry blossom.  They are pinkish and grow on trees.  Every year, people all over Japan set out some time in their busy schedules to have an outdoor party amongst the sakura (さくら) flowers.  It’s a time for co-workers, romantic couples and families to gather together and enjoy the outdoors and the company of others.  Usually people bring some kind of blanket or mat to sit on, some sake, and some food.  It’s kind of like an American picnic.

You’re probably wondering, why is the sakura (さくら) so fascinating to Japanese people?  Sakura (さくら) flowers wither away almost as soon as they bloom.  For centuries, the sakura (さくら) flower has been the metaphor for life.  To the Japanese, life is considered transient, ephermal, or short lived.  It’s kind of depressing, but at the same time it makes you realize how precious life is.  Sometimes, the sakura (さくら) is used as a metaphor for youth as well.  To the Japanese, youth is fleeting and that’s what makes it so bitter sweet.

Speaking of youth, sometimes you’ll see a group of college students gathering under the sakura (さくら) trees at night.  When the gathering is at night it’s called yozakura (よざくら), which literally means “night sakura”. Colored lanterns are hung everywhere, which makes the atmosphere just as beautiful as the daytime.  The most popular hanami (花見) spot is Ueno park (上野公園).  Of course, any place with sakura (さくら) flowers will do.  Most people just want to socialize, but they do it under the pretense of viewing flowers.  There’s no exact day per say for hanami (花見), but it’s usually held when the weather is nice; sometime around March, April, or May.

If you live on the east coast of the U.S., you might be interested to know that Philadelphia hosts a cherry blossom festival every year.  That’s the only place in the U.S. that I’m aware of that hosts a sakura (さくら) festival.  Wherever you are in the world, if there’s a sakura (さくら) festival near you, write a comment in the comments section.  Thanks everyone, I’m heading out now.