Cherry-blossom viewing
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In old Japan it was customary for people to go out of the towns in
springtime and hold banquets under the trees. In the middle ages, cherry
blossom parties became regular events; singing, dancing, eating and
drinking, writing poems were all part of the occasion. Even today, crowds
of people flock to places noted for their cherry blossom and hold parties
beneath the trees. Yoshino in Nara Prefecture and Ueno Park in Tokyo are
favoured placesfor cherry-blossom viewing (ohanami).
Cherry-blossom (sakura) is a shortlived flower and in Japan it symbolizes
the impermanence of things, hence its importance in a culture heavily
influenced by Buddhist philosophy.
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