Hanami, March to May
Hanami is a flower viewing celebration. It is celebrated for a week or two while the Sakura are blossoming. The people party very noisily under the blossoming trees while drinking saké, a Japanese rice wine made from fermented rice. The main attractions are Sakura (cherry blossom trees). However, older citizens enjoy Ume (plum blossom trees) as the parties are quiet and relaxing. The traditional Hanami celebrations are over one thousand years old and still are very popular. In cities like Tokyo it's common to celebrate under the Sakura at night. The most beautiful way of celebrating Hanami is to visit the cherry blossom trees at a castle, temple or shrine. The Japanese people believed that gods lived in the trunks of the trees that's why it is celebrated greatly. It is celebrated throughout March and April. The people go to the parks that have Sakura. There are many parks to celebrate at. The custom began in the Heian period (794-1185) and became a more popular event in the Edo period (1603-1868).
by Riley The Hanami festival, held on the days during March through to May (spring), is a festival where the Japanese people celebrate the time of renewal and the fleeting nature of life. Hanami started over 1000 years ago, it means 'watching blossoms' which is what they do at the festival. The cherry blossoms are called Sakura, meaning special flowers. Other things such as drinking, eating and singing is also done at the Hanami festivals. The festival usually starts during the day and continues through the night, Hanami at night is called Yazakura.
by Lilly In Japan, Hanami means to view flowers but in Japan the festival is for viewing cherry blossoms. It is celebrated from March to May but it depends on the weather. The Hanami festival has been celebrated for over 1000 years although it was celebrated differently. Back then, people admired the cherry blossoms and wrote poems. Now it is celebrated by going outside and having picnics, buying food or having BBQ’s in the day time. When night comes people bring karaoke machines, beer or sake. It is normally celebrated in the countryside but can be celebrated at parks in the cities by Hannah |