HANAMI – SAKURA (part 1)

 "Trying to find a zen balance through Japanese customs":

Introduction:
If something characterizes the Japanese is that they really know how to enjoy small things and nature. They give a lot of importance to the ephemeral and to live every moment and season. For example, that could consist of going for a walk or an excursion to enjoy the viewing .

To contemplate the flowers in spring could be a solution.

In Japanese language, the kanji “flower” and “see/watch” compose literally the word “HANAMI”. But the hanami lasts only a few days since it’s done just at the moment when the cherry blossoms are at their maximum splendor and these flowers tend to fall a few days later. Precisely because it’s ephemeral, it’s so beautiful.

The Japanean cherry blossom is a flower of many trees of genus Prunus. The most well-known specie commonly called “SAKURA” comes from Prunus serrulata.

In Japanese history, the sakura became so popular during the Heian era that the word for flower became synonymous with sakura.

So people have been picnicking today under the cherry blossoms since 700 BC. J.C.

Nowadays, sakura refers to spring season, symbol in Japan too.

Part 1: Looking for” Sakura” through Japanese Art Paintings, on a wet and hot summer.

The following pictures were taken in 2019, at the National Art Center, during the family holidays.

Remarque: Suite à la remarque judicieuse de LadyButterfly , j’ai corrigé le nom mal orthographié Hanani pour “Hanami”. Merci LadyButterfly !

(à suivre…)