"Everyone feels grief when cherry blossoms scatter." - Otomo no Kuronushi
One of the world’s most impressive sights truly is a city coated in pink in spring time. And Japan is one of those places where this natural sight is highly anticipated. The cherry blossom season by now is underway which typically occurs late March to early April in mainland Japan. It's one of those itineraries where tourists really need utter care in planning because of the brief nature of the blooms.
Last month, however, we were lucky enough to catch the blossoms in the southern side of Japan in Kawazu, Shizuoka. Actually, we had to revise our itinerary on the last minute just to accommodate this side trip. Haha! Granted, I had the chance to observe them too in one of best viewing points in Kyoto in the Philosopher's Walk three years ago, but if the Japanese venture out each year to see them then why wouldn't I?
Actually, there's a deeper concept for the Japanese when they do this yearly appointment of viewing them. And it's something that we all could learn from. You may be wondering why a 9th century poet could quote such thing written above this post? You see when they picnic under the cherry blossom trees in this most revered tradition that is called Hanami, it's kind of a bittersweet rejoicing of the fleeting nature of the flowers and of life's impermanence in general. Yep, that's the depth of feeling this tree can produce. And for them the beauty of the flowers depends on its transiency. That such beauty could never be appreciated if the delicate blossoms were a permanent feature of the landscape is embodied in the Japanese phrase called Mono no aware.
Actually, there's a deeper concept for the Japanese when they do this yearly appointment of viewing them. And it's something that we all could learn from. You may be wondering why a 9th century poet could quote such thing written above this post? You see when they picnic under the cherry blossom trees in this most revered tradition that is called Hanami, it's kind of a bittersweet rejoicing of the fleeting nature of the flowers and of life's impermanence in general. Yep, that's the depth of feeling this tree can produce. And for them the beauty of the flowers depends on its transiency. That such beauty could never be appreciated if the delicate blossoms were a permanent feature of the landscape is embodied in the Japanese phrase called Mono no aware.
The blossom is a visual reminder of the fleeting nature of life, of its heartbreaking quickness. If only we could all see the world through such eyes as the Japanese, perhaps it could elevate our appreciation of all things that are dear to us.
 |
| Jacket: Topshop; Skirt/ Shoes: H&M |
♥
ReplyDelete