The time when cherry blossoms, for the Japanese the most blessed

Japan is an amazing country with a unique culture and rich history. For us, the Japanese with their attitude to life will remain a mystery forever. Well, it is not given to practical Europeans and us, sensible Russians, to understand Eastern philosophy, their world view, attitude to nature and surrounding things. Only at the time when cherry blossom blossoms, we are given the opportunity to understand the unknown. After all, for the Japanese this has a sacred meaning.

Sakura (or cherry-tree cherry) is a symbol of Japan. This kind of cherry belongs to the Roses family. Blossoms with white and pink flowers at the end of March, before the leaves blossom. Flowering period is short. The most persistent flowers last only a week. Then the plant does not distinguish itself by anything. But it is this week, when sakura blossoms, that people have the opportunity to understand how beautiful the world in which we live is and how fragile it is. The Japanese believe that every flower is the destiny of a child.

Although sakura refers to a variety of cherry trees, but it does not give fruits, the plant is decorative. Of course, in Japan there is also a fruit bearing cherry, it is called sakurambo, it gives fruits of pink and red color. But to the sakura, the Japanese do not only have sublime feelings, petals of its flowers and leaves, they also eat.

The time when cherry blossoms in Japan is called "khans" - admiring flowers. This is an ancient tradition. The basis for it was laid by courtiers of the imperial court a few dozen centuries ago. At first it was just a fashion - during the blossom blossom spend many hours in flowering gardens, compose verses and reflect on the meaning of life. Gradually, this tradition spread among the nobility, who usually reacts quickly to palace trends, and then left for the people. And then it became no longer just a way to prove the subtlety of one's nature, but acquired a profound philosophical meaning, because the transience of the cherry blossom reminds everyone, on How short our life is, and that it can not be wasted. So there was a legend. It gradually spread throughout the world. Now sakura is not just a symbol of Japan, but first of all an embodiment of female beauty. And the khans became firmly established in Japanese culture.

For modern Japanese, the time when sakura blossoms is a big holiday. As you know, Japan is a country located on islands stretched from north to south. Accordingly, cherry blossoms everywhere blossoms in different ways. In the country there are fans who move from one prefecture to another to see this magic as long as possible. About the onset of this important event, residents are warned in advance. On a significant day in the gardens, where flowering begins, almost everyone gathers - from small to large. Schools are canceled, production is given a day off. People gather in parks and gardens to see this miracle and keep it in their memory for a whole year. This day turns into a kind of national picnic, where there is an opportunity to admire the rare beauty and enjoy your favorite dishes, enjoy socializing with wildlife.