The Cherry Tree From the 19th Century to Today (Part Two of Two)

The symbolic importance of the cherry tree continued to evolve from ancient times through the 19th century and is still changing, even today. 

During the Meiji Restoration, beginning in 1868,  the cherry trees symbolized the Japanese soldiers' dedication and devotion to their nation through their sacrificial service. The significance of the cherry blossoms is clearly shown through a statement where the soldiers were told that they shall "die like beautiful falling cherry petals for the emperor." This idea represented the new nationalist goals of Japan. After the Meiji period had ended, a memorial, called the Yasukuni Shrine, was built to honor the fallen soldiers of that period. There cherry trees were planted and it is thought that the blossoms of the cherry trees are there to console the souls of the deceased. 

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The symbol of the cherry tree continues to grow and evolve alongside the constantly changing nation of Japan. In 1912, the Japanese government sent 3,000 cherry trees to Washington to represent their newly established political alliance. Since the cherry trees were held so dear to the people of Japan, giving the United States the trees communicated their desire for peace and friendship. 

As time went on, cherry trees also became a symbol for not only the fallen soldiers of the Meiji period, but also the Japanese soldiers who died during World War II. During the war, in an attempt to preserve the deflating Japanese spirit, vice-admiral Onishi Takijiro painted cherry blossoms on the uniforms of the pilots, as well as on the side of their planes. Each petal that fall from the cherry trees that are planted in the Yasukuni Shrine are said to represent each soldier who died trying to protect his country. 

For centuries, cherry trees and their beautiful blossoms have represented the spirit of Japan, filling its people with a sense of nationalism and hope, even when surrounded by death and despair. After the tsunami struck Japan on March 11, 2011, devastating the land and the people, cherry blossoms were used to show people the light and fill them with hope through the dark times ahead. 


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The History of the Cherry Tree in Ancient Japan (Part One of Two)

The pink and white blossoms of the Japanese cherry trees in Washington D.C. are breathtaking now that they've fully bloomed after a cold beginning to spring on the east coast. To any American passing by the blossoms they would serve as a pleasant sight, but to the Japanese, their presence symbolizes so much more than aesthetic beauty. They symbolize many aspects of Japan as a nation, as well as many of of the values that the Japanese hold dear. Their love and appreciation of the cherry tree dates back hundreds of years. 

The connection between the Japanese and their beloved cherry trees stretches all the way back to 710, when the Japanese first began to plant cherry trees in residential areas, when before they had only resided in the mountains. The trees were considered sacred, for it was a common belief that they carried the soul of the mountain gods and brought them to humans. During the first few weeks of spring, many Japanese would make long journeys into the mountains to worship the trees.

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Cherry trees also serve as a symbol of the uniqueness of the Japanese culture. The first ever recorded reference to the cherry blossom was seen in 712 in the Kojiki. The Kojiki is a collection of oral accounts of the origins of Japan, nicknamed the "Japanese Spirit". During this time, the imperial courts held elegant cherry blossom viewing festivals, known as hanami. At these festivals the elite class would sing, dance, drink, and eat while enjoying the beauty of the cherry blossoms. 

During the rise of the Feudal system and the samurai warrior, the cherry blossom became associated with courage and a noble character. They were said to represent the Japanese soul, which was a man who did not fear death. 

Even today many Japanese people participate in the special cherry blossom viewings, referred to as hanami. Companies and neighborhoods organize group visits, students are even exempt from classes for the day in honor of the occasion. 

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