The True Meaning of Cherry Blossoms
Summary: This article explores the true meaning and symbolism of cherry blossoms, along with the legend and cultivation tips. Let's take a look together!
Cherry blossoms are extremely beautiful flowers, but their blooming period is particularly short, lasting only a few days. Everyone knows that cherry blossoms symbolize love and hope. So, do you know any legends about cherry blossoms?
The Legends of Cherry Blossoms
1. Princess Hanao scattering cherry blossoms across Japan
As everyone knows, cherry blossoms are the national flower of Japan and have a beautiful and touching mythological story. It is said that a long time ago, there was a clever and beautiful girl named Princess Hanao. Princess Hanao means cherry blossoms. At the end of one year, she set off from Okinawa, Japan, traveled through Kyushu, Kansai, and Kanto, and arrived in Hokkaido in May or June of the following year. Along the way, she scattered cherry blossoms across Japan. Since then, cherry blossoms have bloomed for thousands of years in Japan, and they look as beautiful as clouds and mist every year. The Japanese people love cherry blossoms very much. The reason why the Japanese people designated cherry blossoms as the national flower is not only because of their purity, elegance, and nobility but also to commemorate the hardworking and kind Princess Hanao, and to symbolize the hardworking, wise, and brave Japanese people.
2. The Legend of Red Cherry Blossoms
There is another version of the cherry blossom legend involving samurai who dyed the cherry blossoms red with their blood. It is said that in the past, cherry blossoms were only white. Brave samurai would choose to commit seppuku under their beloved cherry blossoms because when a samurai thought he had reached the pinnacle of his life, he would choose to end it. Therefore, the ground beneath the cherry blossoms was filled with blood, and from then on, the cherry blossoms bloomed red... The redder the petals, the more souls beneath the tree.
3. A Missed Love
Cherry blossoms bloomed silently in the cherry blossom city for several months, and every day, many couples could be seen chatting and confiding in each other under the cherry blossoms. As the petals fell, the beauty was breathtaking. Thus, cherry blossoms became a symbol of love. However, everyone wants to experience love and happiness, and the fairy of the cherry blossoms (Sakura no Hana) was no exception. Seeing others' happiness, she also wanted it, so she left the cherry blossom tree alone, marking the beginning of another legend about cherry blossoms.
The petals of the cherry blossoms continued to fall, and Sakura no Hana searched for her other half among the crowd. After a long search, when she was about to give up and return to the cherry blossom tree, he appeared. He began to bring her joy and take care of her, and they chatted late into the night. It was then that she learned he came from a distant land and had arrived here because his ship lost its way. Knowing he would leave and return to his country, Sakura no Hana met him under the cherry blossoms every day to cherish the time they had together. However, good times are always fleeting, and he had to leave. When he came to say goodbye to Sakura no Hana, she, despite being prepared, couldn't bear the blow. She turned her back to him and simply said, "Oh." He left, disappearing into the vast sea.
Sakura no Hana cried alone under the cherry blossom tree, and the petals fell to comfort her. As the breeze blew, the petals danced in the air, and Sakura no Hana's heart was broken. She cried for days and nights and finally decided it was time to return. Looking at the cherry blossom tree, she thought: I am the fairy of cherry blossoms; in the end, I am just a petal on the cherry blossom tree, watching others find love while I will never have happiness... Thus, she vanished. Some say she returned to the tree, while others say she turned into a petal, carried away by the wind to find him...
Years later, he returned. He came back to the place they had agreed upon, searching for her but couldn't find her. He was lost. It turned out he came back to tell her that he had fallen in love with her. When he heard the legend circulating in the village, he knew it was too late. He swore under the cherry blossom tree, hoping that all lovers would be together and no one would miss their chance like he had... This time, he never left the cherry blossom city, continuously searching for her until his death...
Centuries passed, and the cherry blossoms continued to bloom. Many couples came here for the legend, to witness their own happiness. Whether it was fate or not, Sakura no Hana was reborn into the world and came to the cherry blossom tree, feeling a sense of familiarity. Suddenly, the wind blew, petals fluttered by, and her hat was blown away, caught by a man. It was him. This time, they would not miss their chance...
The above is a detailed explanation of the true meaning of cherry blossoms and the symbolism and legends associated with them. I hope this article can provide you with help in green plant management!