Sakura さくら

Sakura or Cherry Blossom is the Japanese name for ornamental cherry trees and their blossoms.

In Japan, cherry blossoms symbolize the transience of life because of their short blooming times. Falling blossoms are metaphors for fallen warriors who died bravely in battle. This connotation links them with the samurai. This theme remains alive today and is often observed in pop culture, especially manga and anime

Every year the Japanese Meteorological Agency and the public track the sakura zensen (cherry-blossom front) as it moves northward up the archipelago with the approach of warmer weather via nightly forecasts following the weather segment of news programs. The blossoming begins in Okinawa in January and typically reaches Kyoto and Tokyo at the end of March or the beginning of April. It proceeds into areas at the higher altitudes and northward, arriving in Hokkaidō a few weeks later. Japanese pay close attention to these forecasts and turn out in large numbers at parks, shrines, and temples with family and friends to hold flower-viewing parties.

Hanami festivals celebrate the beauty of the sakura and for many are a chance to relax and enjoy the beautiful view. The custom of hanami dates back many centuries in Japan

Complete the stencil on flower viewing Complete the stencil on flower viewing. Have sensei check and stamp your answers and place sheet in your folder in the festival section.

Craft activity We are now going to make our own sakura picture using scrunched up tissue/crepe paper to recreate the beauty of the cherry blossoms. On the A4 paper draw an outline of a tree. Fill the whole page with the outline. Colour the tree and background then paste the tissue paper onto the branches. Some can decorate the ground as fallen blossoms. Write your name on the back of the picture.

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