From her succulent crimson berries to her delicate, silken blossom, the Cherry tree’s splendour is steeped in magic, mystery and mythology! This pretty tree is not only a feast for the senses, it has a rich and vivid history too.
Throughout Japan, the Cherry, or ‘Sakura’ tree is representative of good fortune, new beginnings and revival. Folklore says that when the Sakura spirits release their gorgeous fragrance in springtime, their gift of beauty and elegance is to be truly celebrated! Unfortunately, the Cherry blossoms only bloom once a year and their gentle, pale petals surround us for a short time. It’s because of this that the Cherry not only represents beauty and innocent pleasures, it also teaches us to appreciate the brief time we share together with our loved ones.
Even in modern Japan, the festival of Hanami is held every year to celebrate the coming of the Cherry blossom in spring; family, friends and loved-ones congregate amongst the Cherry trees to celebrate and reflect upon their happy lives together so far.
In ancient mythology the fruit of the Cherry tree contains the elixir which gives the Gods their immortality! In Chinese lore it was believed that the magical Phoenix slept on a bed of Cherry blossom to bless it with ever-lasting life.
In old Buddhist stories, the Cherry is representative of fertility and femininity. According to legend, the mother of Buddha was supported by a holy Cherry tree as she gave birth. The symbol of the ruby-red Cherry is also popular in western culture and the gift of a Cherry tree is said to bring good fortune and future happiness to the days to come!
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