Kaleidoscope - ‘Flower viewing’ or ‘hanami’

‘Hanami’ literally means ‘flower viewing’ and generally refers to the customary enjoyment of Japan’s floral icon - ‘sakura’ or cherry flower. It has evolved into an annual event celebrated by Japanese of all social status. Family and friends gather to picnic, party or just plain soaking-in the natural beauty of the splendid blooms.

From mid-January to May, resplendent cherry blossoms glorify streets, parks and gardens in multiple shades of red, pink and white in every part of Japan. The flowering season begins in areas with milder weather and progresses northwards as spring reaches them. Each year, the weather bureau of Japan announces blossom forecasts - ‘sakurazen’ literally meaning ‘cherry blossom front’ so that residents can plan ‘hanami’ outdoors.

The blossoms are fairly short-lived, over in about a week for a particular area. So, it is a precious time for all to cherish. Picnicking and partying under the trees can take place either in daylight or at night where parks, gardens and individual trees are dramatically lighted up.

Basking in the splendour of cherry blossoms in Hakodate’s Goryokaku Park where there are around 1,600 mature sakura trees. Some areas in Japan have huge forest of them while temples and castles are usually graced by a fair number.

The custom of flower viewing was initially enjoyed only by royalty but it soon spread to elite societies including the samurais. By the Edo Period (1600-1868), common people were also able to participate in the same manner.

Enjoying flowers has its roots from the Heian Period (710-794), said to be an influence from the Chinese during the Tang Dynasty. The Chinese deeply admired ‘ume’ blossoms (Japanese apricot or Chinese plum - ‘mei’) but in Japan, cherry blossoms caught on greater popularity over time.

‘Hanami’ can just be a leisure stroll in the park glorified by cherry blossoms.

‘Hanami’ can also mean allowing oneself to be mesmerised by the attractive blooms of a single tree or a group of trees.

Treasured trees are those of many centuries old. Besides the flowers, the trunks and branches are also of great interest and beauty.

There are more than 100 species of cherry trees but the most common in Japan are those like these which have 5 petals. In particular, these are of the Somei Yoshino type, the most widely grown during the Edo Period.

A ‘teen’ cherry tree along Sakaimachihondori Street (once nicknamed ‘Wall Street) in Otaru city. Though not much of interest to locals due to its juvenile status, it is a very popular ‘hanami’ subject with tourists in this famous street.

Ancient Japanese believed cherry trees have divine spirits living in them. They were worship for a good harvest with offerings of sake. It was said that Emperor Saga of the Heian Period officially adopted this practice and held flower-viewing parties with sake and feasting.

Colourful lanterns are used to brighten-up trees and parks for ‘yazakura’ or ‘night hanami’. In popular public spots, residents have to book spaces by laying out plastic sheets on the ground and keep watch over them until the rest of the party arrives.