Cherry Blossoms
We’re sitting just on the cusp of cherry blossom season here in Toronto. They generally make their stunning appearance in late April/early May. The following poem was included in my local Farmer’s Market newsletter and I couldn’t resist posting it here as a beacon of hope for those of us who have been stuck with a never-ending winter. Spring is on the way! It is assured.
As the years stream by
My own life passes from me
Still I am renewed when I see the blossoms
My heart’s sorrows disappear
- Fujiwara no Yoshifusa
Cherry blossom season is an important time of year in Japan, with the flower’s short blooming time symbolizing the fleeting nature of life. I can’t mention cherry blossoms, known as Sakura without mentioning my friend and a friend to many You Grow Girl forum members, Sakura who left too soon, much like her namesake.
Resources:
- Cherry Tree Varieties - a gorgeous assortment of colours and styles all of which are soft and puffy like clouds.
- National Cherry Blossom Festival - Washington, DC
- Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival - Looks like it’s pretty much over.
- Cherry Blossoms at the Brooklyn Botanical Garden - Find out which trees are in bloom and where as they happen. It looks like some have finished but many are just about to begin. Get over there!
April 19th, 2007 at 9:41 am
Hi,
Thought you might want to know who wrote the poem. It is by Fujiwara no Yoshifusa, ancient Japanese poet.
I was the one who sent the poem to the newsletter. I am going to be planting a sakura for my sister, Emma, who died on April 20, last year at age 30 of cancer.
Glad to see you are spreading the information about the wonderful tradition of cherry blossom festivals. It is my favourite time of year and such a great celebration of life.
April 19th, 2007 at 9:47 am
Thanks for writing and clarifying. I am sorry to hear about your sister. We planted a tree for Sakura and while a tree can not replace a person it has been healing to visit the tree and remember her. You’re right that the cherry blossoms arrive at the perfect time when we are all just blossoming after a long winter.
April 19th, 2007 at 1:51 pm
Every time I see cherry blossoms in bloom I think of Sakura.
April 27th, 2007 at 1:20 am
^^ me, too. beautiful photos…
April 29th, 2007 at 12:22 pm
Great photos. Beautiful - one of the most beautiful things I’ve seen in a month.