The CHERRY BLOSSOM… so lovely, so transient, so glorious as it blooms en masse and then passes, welcoming us into its rich symbolism of mortality.

The Cherry Blossom gives us a beautiful glimpse into life itself, and it’s no wonder that people from around the world wait for its blossoms to appear. In Japan, picnicking or partying under a blossoming Cherry Tree is a lovely tradition called Hanami… translation, flower blooming. The trees are decorated with paper lanterns and everyone waits for the first Cherry Blossoms so the great celebration can begin.

There is also the National Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, D.C. In 1912, the people of Japan sent 3,020 Cherry Trees to the United States as a gift of friendship. First Lady Taft and the Viscountess Chinda, wife of the Japanese Ambassador, planted 2 of these Cherry Trees on the northern bank of the Tidal Basin. These two original trees are still standing today near the John Paul Jones statue at the south end of 17th Street. Workmen planted the remainder of the trees around the Tidal Basin and East Potomac Park. Today, there are approximately 3,750 Cherry Trees located around the Tidal Basin in West Potomac Park, in East Potomac Park (Hains Point), and on the grounds of the Washington Monument.

Head out today with your kids in search of a blossoming Cherry Tree. Why not hang a decorative paper lantern from its branches and celebrate Hanami. If the Cherry Blossoms have passed where you are, draw lovely Cherry Blossoms and hang them in your home… for your own version of Hanami.

Tell your kids about Cherry Blossoms, Hanami, the gift of the Cherry Trees… and how the Cherry Blossom symbolizes LIFE itself. The Cherry Blossom itself may last but a few precious days, but the joy it brings is immeasurable!

Kids love to know things. Kids love to feel a sense of knowledge. Knowledge and references stored in their heads and hearts… this is Literacy. Let the bloomin’ knowledge begin here at May Flowers each day in May!