The Lessons of Sakura

 

A colleague organized a walk to check out the cherry blossoms at Kungsträdgården. We brought our lunch boxes with us, and off we went, walking under the longed-for bright and fine 17C sun 🌞

On our way, another colleague asked what are we supposed to see. The cherry blossoms. And she asked, "Oh, are we going to look at one flower? 😒". Everyone laughed at her innocent question. People then started telling her about the famed cherry blossoms, and how these trees at Kungsträdgården were brought to Sweden as a gift from the Japanese emperor.

Upon arriving, I was so surprised to see so many people. They apparently have the same idea as us, with the thoughts of basking under the sun with lunch boxes, and enjoying the view of the flowers. Some had ice creams. Tourists and locals alike, cramped into the steps or sat down under the trees.

So why are these blooms celebrated? What makes them special?

The cherry tree flowers during spring. The cherry blossoms, or sakura in Japanese, symbolizes renewal and mortality. As spring comes, we welcome the life that grows around us. It's as if life has overcome the darkness and dreariness of our surrounding.

The blossoms are dependent on the weather, that it's hard to say when it starts to bloom, and when it loses its flowers. The blossoms may last a few days, or a few weeks. With the fleeting lifespan of the flowers, it's a magical moment to be able to enjoy them at its peak of beauty. Festivals have been planned around the blooming of the flowers. It has become more of a challenge to predict the blooms' exact period, due to the possible effect of climate change.

It's like the blossoms are telling us to enjoy each moment when we can, to appreciate life and its beauty, for we don't know when it will go away.

This was the first time I've seen the cherry blossoms in Kungsträdgården. If it weren't for my scheduled trip to our office this week, I would most probably have missed this scene. Although, there are cherry blossoms in Linköping (city where I live ~200kms away from Stockholm), it was so spectacular to see so many trees in bloom at one place. And, all in full bloom, at that!

I was told the Sakura festival in Japan is an experience in itself, and something that one shouldn't miss. I hope I do get to experience it. One of these days, Japan! One of the days 😍