hanami

Hanami, literally "flower viewing" (花見), is a traditional Japanese custom of enjoying the beauty of flowers, especially cherry blossoms (sakura). It is most closely associated with spring, when sakura trees bloom across Japan. People gather in parks, along rivers, and in gardens to appreciate the blossoms, often with picnics, food, and drinks, creating a social and festive atmosphere. While hanami refers to viewing flowers in general, it is most strongly tied to sakura, whose transient bloom encourages seasonal reflection.

Origins and history: Hanami began among Heian period court aristocrats who hosted flower-viewing parties and composed poetry about the blossoms. By the Edo period (17th–19th centuries), the custom spread to a broader public and became a widespread seasonal pastime. Sakura trees were planted along streets, in temple grounds, and at shrines, expanding viewing opportunities and turning hanami into a public festival in many places.

Customs and variations: Daytime hanami typically involves laying out a mat or blanket, sharing bento meals, and toasting with drinks. A related practice, yozakura, is night viewing when trees and lanterns illuminate the blossoms. Some regions celebrate ume (plum) blossoms earlier in late winter or early spring, as part of a broader flower-viewing tradition.

Cultural significance and global influence: Hanami remains a central facet of Japanese culture, connecting appreciation of nature with poetry, seasonal life, and social bonding. The idea has inspired festivals abroad, including the National Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, D.C., and similar celebrations in many countries.