Cherry blossom picking (a cultural custom of cherry blossom viewing in Japan)

Cherry blossoms are one of the most beautiful scenery in spring in Japan. From March to May every year, cherry blossoms are in full bloom, which is also the time when Japanese people are most keen on enjoying cherry blossoms. Cherry blossom viewing has become an important part of Japanese culture, and cherry blossom picking is an essential activity for cherry blossom viewing. This paper will introduce the cultural background, operation steps and matters needing attention of cherry blossom picking in detail.

cultural background

Cherry blossoms are regarded as a symbol in Japan, representing a simple and beautiful life and the spirit of the Japanese. Japanese people often organize some activities when enjoying cherry blossoms, such as cherry blossom parties, cherry blossom festivals and so on. Cherry blossom picking is one of the oldest and most traditional activities.

The origin of cherry blossom picking can be traced back to the edo period, and Japanese people began to appreciate cherry blossoms. It is said that the way to enjoy cherry blossoms at that time was to lay a mat under the cherry tree, and then drink tea on the mat to enjoy the beautiful scenery of cherry blossoms falling. Later, people began to regard the falling time of cherry blossoms as a game, stirring cherry blossoms with fans or bamboo to see who can pick the highest. This is the origin of cherry picking.

operation sequence/order

1. Prepare cherry picking tools: Generally, bamboo or fans are used for cherry picking. You can buy it in Japanese shops or online.

2. Find a suitable cherry tree: When enjoying cherry blossoms, you can choose to watch cherry blossoms in parks, courtyards or streets. Find a cherry tree you like, then choose a suitable place to sit down.

3. Start picking cherries: put the picked cherries under the cherry tree and gently stir a cherry blossom to see if it can be picked to the top. If you want to challenge a higher height, you can try different picking methods, such as rotary picking, fan picking and so on.

4. Beauty of cherry blossom viewing: cherry blossom viewing is not only about picking cherry blossoms, but more importantly, appreciating the beauty of cherry blossoms. Taste Japanese tea and snacks under the cherry trees and feel the wonderful moment when the cherry blossoms fall.

Matters needing attention

1. Pay attention to safety: pay attention to your own safety when picking cherry blossoms under cherry trees. Don't stand under the cherry trees, lest you be hit by fallen cherry blossoms.

2. Respect the environment: When enjoying cherry blossoms, keep the environment clean and quiet. Don't litter at will, and don't make too much noise to affect others.

3. Respect for culture: cherry blossom viewing is a part of Japanese culture, and local culture and customs should be respected. Don't damage cherry trees, and don't make noise in public.

Cherry blossom picking is the oldest and most traditional way to enjoy cherry blossoms, and it is also an indispensable part of Japanese culture. Through cherry blossom picking, people can better appreciate the beauty and charm of cherry blossoms and feel the profound heritage of Japanese culture.