What do cherry blossoms stand for?

Answer 1

Cherry Blossoms are flowers on Cherry trees. There are a large amout of them in the Washington DC area. They even hold a Cherry Blossom festible there in the Fall (I think it's the fall?)

Answer 2

Chinese Cherry Blossom

For the Chinese the cherry blossom is a very significant symbol of power. Typically it represent a feminine beauty and sexuality and often holds an idea of power or feminine dominance. Within the language of herbs and herbal lore of the Chinese the cherry blossom is often the symbol of love.

Japanese Cherry Blossom

For the Japanese the cherry blossom holds very different meaning. The cherry blossom is a very delicate flower that blooms for a very short time. For the Japanese this represents the transience of life. This concept ties in very deeply with the fundamental teachings of Buddhism that state all life is suffering and transitory. The Japanese have long held strong to the Buddhist belief of the transitory nature of life and it is very noble to not get too attached to a particular outcome or not become emotional because it will all pass in time.

The fallen cherry blossom is not taken lightly in Japanese symbolism either. It often represents the beauty of snow and there are many connections made in Japanese literature or poetry to a fallen cherry blossom and snow. This also has been extended to the life of a warrior whose life was ended early in battle.

As you can see in both cultures the symbolism and meaning behind the cherry blossom is very significant and powerful at the same time.

Answer 3

The cherry blossom (sakura) is the unofficial national flower of Japan. It is probably most beloved flower among the Japanese. The blooming of cherry blossoms signifies not only the arrival of spring but the beginning of the new academic year for schools (Japanese school year starts in April) and of the new fiscal year for businesses. The cherry blossoms are symbols of a bright future. Also, their delicacy suggests purity, transience, melancholy and has poetic appeal.

During this period, the weather forecasts include reports on the advance of sakura zensen (sakura front) as the blossoms sweep north. As the trees begin to bloom, the Japanese participate in hanami (flower viewing). People gather under the tress, eat picnic lunches, drink sake, view the cherry blossom flowers and have a great time. In cities, viewing cherry blossoms in the evening (yozakura) is also popular. Against the dark sky, the cherry blossoms in full bloom are especially beautiful.

However, there is also a dark side. The Japanese cherry blossoms open all at once and seldom last more than a week. From the way they quickly and gracefully fall, they were used by militarism to beautify the death of the suicide units. To samurai in the ancient times or soldiers during World Wars there was no greater glory than dying on the battlefield like scattered cherry blossoms.

Sakura-yu is a tea-like drink made by steeping a salt-preserved cherry blossom in hot water. It is often served at wedding and other auspicious occasions. Sakura-mochi is a dumpling containing sweet bean paste wrapped in a salt-preserved cherry-tree leaf.

A sakura also means a shill who raves about his mock purchase. Originally referring to people who were admitted to watch plays for free. The word came about because cherry blossoms are free for viewing.

The cherry blossom is synonymous with the word "flower (hana)". Hana yori dango (dumplings over flowers) is a proverb that expresses the practical is preferred over the aesthetic. In hanami, people often seem to be more interested in eating foods or drinking alcohol than appreciating the beauty of the flowers. Click here to learn more expressions including flowers.

Answer 4

Michael Reynolds and Cole Hopkins asked the same question. You should see their answers side by side.

Answer 5

Have never thought about it that way