Sakura, or cherry blossoms, are often used as a motif of impermanence in Japanese literature. The famous poet and monk, Saigyo, expressed his longing for a peaceful death under the sakura tree in his poem: "I wish to die under the cherry blossoms in spring, in February when the moon is full. (This February means in lunar calendar, so it is March in the current calendar).”
Saigyo's poem beautifully captures the transience of life and the beauty of the sakura. Sakura only bloom for a short period of time, usually for about a week, before their petals fall and are scattered by the wind. This fleeting beauty has been celebrated in Japanese culture for centuries, and it has become a symbol of the impermanence of life and the importance of living in the present moment.
Sakura also played an important role in the concept of Bushido, the way of the samurai. Bushido is a code of conduct that governed the behavior and actions of samurai warriors in feudal Japan. Samurai were expected to embody not only strength and courage, but also dignity and politeness.
The sakura, with its beauty and transience, became a symbol of the samurai's mindset and values. The falling sakura petals were often used to represent the samurai's readiness to die in battle, as well as their acceptance of the impermanence of life. This concept is exemplified in the famous saying, "Like cherry blossoms, samurai fall in the service of their lord."
Furthermore, the practice of hanami, or cherry blossom viewing, was a popular pastime among samurai during the Edo period. Hanami provided an opportunity for samurai to take a break from their duties and appreciate the beauty of nature. It also offered a chance for reflection on the impermanence of life and the importance of living with honor and integrity.
In this way, the sakura became intertwined with the samurai's values and philosophy. The beauty and transience of the sakura served as a constant reminder to samurai to embrace the present moment and to live with dignity and grace, even in the face of death.
The best time to see the cherry blossoms is almost here. Let's go out for cherry blossom viewing!
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