Every year during spring people in Japan participate in what is called 'ohanami'. Hanami means flower viewing, or more specifically cherry blossom flower viewing. Once the flowers have bloomed, they last only a week or two. Therefore the "blossom forecast" is followed closely by people who are interested in seeing this site. Sakura parties are very common, during which people will gather with their friends and family and eat and drink underneath the sakura trees. The tradition of hanami is a prime example of the importance of taking time to notice your surroundings that may, on any given day, go unappreciated. This theme is also present in other traditions such as tea ceremonies, where the slow and deliberate movements are of great importance.
While in Japan, I have participated in yozakura. A large group of international students and Japanese students went together to Kiyomizudera in Kyoto. After taking a souvenir group photo, we walked around and looked at the plethora of trees. Though there were crowds of people present, in the calm of the cold spring night no one spoke above a murmur. The blossoms were quite a spectacular sight, especially with the lights hitting them just so. Taking the time to do something such as hanami really helps you to realise that which you take for granted on a daily basis.
Some people feel as though those that participate in 'ohanami' are more interested in the food/drink/social aspect than in the actual flower viewing. I feel as though the two go together and complement each other. If you are going to take the time to admire the beauty of nature, who better to do it with than your friends and family.
Many poems have been written about cherry blossoms, especially haikus. Here is one example:
Very brief:
Gleam of blossoms in the treetops
On a moonlit night
This poem is an illustration of yozakura, yet also references the fleeting nature of the blossom.
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