This Is Huge In Japan During the Spring

The Japanese Cherry Blossom Festival 

Every spring all across Japan, as the weather gets warmer, there is
great anticipation for the blooming of the Cherry Blossoms which marks the passing of winter and the arrival of spring.  The anticipation is just like when you were in school and counted down the days to summer vacation or counted the days to Christmas. You just couldn't wait for it happen.

When the trees blossom, the party begins. All over Japan people flock to parks to sit under the trees and take in spring and the joy of winter passing.
Having lived in Japan as a child, I vividly remember the dramatic transformation of drab river banks and streets when the blossoms arrived. The blossoms last about a week with lots of celebration.  But for me, the best part is when the week is over and the blossoms fade and the petals fall off.  I especially loved walking underneath the blossoms as they fall off the trees with the gentlest of breezes.  Its like a late spring snow with large flakes, except its not cold and its not snow but rather a beautiful gentle shower of pink petals. Its hard to explain the sensation, but its a vivid memory for me.

Cherry Blossom Festivals in America

In the US, there are numerous Cherry Blossom Festivals.  In Washington DC, the people of Japan made a gift of cherry trees and the blossoming of the cherry blossoms has become a rite of spring.  The blooms occur between mid March to early April.

Learn more about the Washington DC Festival here

The US Postal Service celebrated this with a new set of stamps to celebrate this Japanese gift of friendship and this rite of spring.
Good Life Tea celebrates the arrival of spring by offering our Cherry Blossom Viewing Teas. Thanks

Purchase some Japanese loose leaf green teas and celebrate spring.