Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Cherry Blossoms

~~I know the news is disheartening. I can't turn on the TV or even open my homepage without seeing reminders and images of Japan's heartache. I have friends with family in Japan. One of my young cousins is there as well. Some of the news coverage is so sensational that I can't figure out the real from the hyperbole. And yet, spring will come even amid the carnage.

~~To the left you'll see my new picture of a Kwanzan Cherry Tree in full bloom. My Yoshino is starting to bloom about a month early as well. I knew there had to be some symbolism behind the loveliness we all associate with Japan. Here's a bit from a Wikipedia article on cherry blossoms. (Go HERE for the entire article.)

      In Japan cherry blossoms also symbolize clouds due to their nature of blooming en masse, besides being an enduring metaphor for the ephemeral nature of life, an aspect of Japanese cultural tradition that is often associated with Buddhistic influence, and which is embodied in the concept of mono no aware... The transience of the blossoms, the extreme beauty and quick death, has often been associated with mortality; for this reason, cherry blossoms are richly symbolic...Cherry blossoms are an enduring metaphor for the fleeting nature of life, and as such are frequently depicted in art.

~~My prayers are still with Japan. The photo below is of cherry blossoms near Tsuruga Castle Aizu-Wakamatsu, Fukushima, Japan.

12 comments:

  1. The reports on those reactors make me very jumpy and fearful for the people in Japan. The cherry blossoms are indeed beautiful.

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  2. Michael and J. L.,
    I love cherry trees, but you knew that. ; ) I'm also a bit jumpy with the news and thought the images would be a bit of relief.

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  3. Love cherry-blossoms. I went to Japan a couple of years ago, and in the summer, they have entire festivals dedicated to picnicking under the cherry trees just to enjoy their beauty. Very significant indeed, which also explains why so many Japanese girls are named "Sakura: Cherry Blossom."

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  4. The Japanese people are being so brave right now, and show a resolve that few cultures have. God bless each one, and heal their country.

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  5. Very beautiful images. It's scary to think, too, of all the rebuilding and reorganizaing they'll have to do.

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  6. I'm in awe of the Japanese people, too. They are resilient. May they find safety and peace with all that's happened.

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  7. I love cherry blossoms. They are gorgeous. I'm still praying for the people in Japan.

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  8. Lynda,
    I love them too. We have a cherry tree and plan to add another this spring. The branches are spread in the cloud shape and the shade is deep in the hot summer. In all seasons, it delights. I think that's why it's so important as a symbol.

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  9. Beautiful blossoms. I love seeing them all come out now, but they sure kill my sinuses!

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  10. Sorry, Tara, for your sinuses. We're just glad there wasn't any freeze to kill them off before they bloomed like a lot of years.

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  11. It's so awful, isn't it! I lived in Japan for a year, and it's gut-wrenching what's going on over there at the moment.

    Hugs,

    Rach

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