Cherry Blossoms Blooming in British Columbia

It is April and the April showers are arriving in our beautiful province. As I walk around the city, I am starting to see the beginnings of flower bulbs and leaves sprouting from the branches and ground. Cherry blossoms, in particular, are blooming everywhere in the city. Sometimes, the flower petals may even fall and float down to the ground. As the pink and white petals gently drift and land on the sidewalk, this beautiful imagery reminds me of our winter wonderland. But this type is much less chilly, of course!

Pretty Interesting Facts about Cherry Blossoms

• Firstly, do you know that the word, Sakura, is the Japanese name for these lovely pink and white blooms?
• According to the Japanese culture, these blossoms signify the beginning of the spring, “a symbolic flower of the spring, a time of renewal, and the fleeting nature of life”.
• Consequently, their life cycles are very short once the flowers bloom, lasting only two weeks!
• According to Japanese customs, people enjoy and relax under the blossoms. This is known as “Hanami” which literally means “watching blossoms.” This Japanese tradition has been around for at least a thousand years. People often bring food and drinks to share with friends. This is a time to meet new people and get to know each another better.

Have you seen a cherry blossom tree before? Do you have any at where you live? We are fortunate to be able to this lovely tradition and blooms with our friends in another’s country…. What blooms do you have at your home?