Apple Blossom: Japanese Style

Apple Blossom: Japanese Style
Laura Churchill Duke

After graduating from Acadia, I lived in Japan for three years. I lived in an area at the base of Mt. Fuji, on the Pacific Ocean, and you couldn’t get much more beautiful than that.

The Japanese people love festivals and any opportunity to come together with friends and neighbours for a celebration. One of the most famous celebrations happens in March when the cherry blossoms are in bloom. This is called O-hanami or “going to see the flowers.”

Friends, family, and coworkers gather by the hundreds in parks for a picnic beneath the cherry blossoms. They spread a blanket on the ground and start setting out a feast that the women have spent hours preparing. It’s a sign of spring and everyone is happy.

When it is apple blossom time here in the Valley, I often think of O-hanami in Japan. We try to have a barbecue with friends on Apple Blossom weekend to celebrate our signs of spring. But, I think we should start doing it the Japanese way! Grab a picnic blanket and head to an orchard and enjoy the company of others while listening to the bees and sitting amongst the trees as the petals float down like snowflakes.

Perhaps a new tradition in the making!

However, you choose to celebrate, make sure you enjoy the Apple Blossom weekend with your family and take time to smell the flowers!

info@valleyfamilyfun.ca
Laura Churchill Duke