The Japanese have something called Hanami (literally translated as ‘flower viewing’) - a time-honoured tradition of appreciating the transient beauty of flowers. In this instance, the flowers referred to are the blooms of the cherry tree that blossom across Japan from March to May. This spectacular sight survives for only a week or two with the weather agency in Japan issuing a ‘blossom forecast’ that is announced each year allowing people to plan their hanami celebrations. These days hanami festivities consist of groups of families and friends enjoying picnics and parties beneath the breathtaking blossom (known as ‘sakura’) either at day or night. It’s a magnificent view to behold; cloud-like, candy floss pink flowers line parks, their petals often falling like snow upon the celebrants below.
In the UK we don’t have anything quite like Hanami to acknowledge the arrival of the apple blossom that covers orchards, allotments and even gardens throughout the country. We do however have historic wassailing practices that occur in orchards throughout winter. Ceremonies are held - ranging from singing traditional wassailing songs to pouring cider over the tree roots - to bless the trees in hope of a good crop for the next harvest. Apple days are also becoming a popular attraction especially on National Trust land where the orchards and the harvests are celebrated. These events involve picking apples and seeing them being pressed before enjoying a glass of the fresh juice.