Photos show vibrant cherry blossoms in bloom around the world (2024)

FAQs

What do cherry blossoms symbolize in the bloom? ›

It symbolizes both life and death, beauty and violence. As the coming of spring promises new life, so the blooming of cherry blossoms brings a sense of vitality and vibrancy. At the same time, their short lifespan is a reminder that life is fleeting.

For a few weeks this spring, the most beautiful cherry blossoms come to bloom in Japan, Korea, and even Taiwan. From sunrise to sunset, here's where to go, what to eat, and how to best enjoy the fleeting cherry blossom season! Check out these famous spots in the Kanto region to view cherry blossoms!

Macon, Georgia

This small southern city has more than 350 000 Yoshino cherry trees—more than twice its population! Macon, Georgia holds the “Pinkest Party,” the International Cherry Blossom Festival, every year from mid- to late-March when it's time for peak blooms.

The flowers start white and gradually turn pink. At the start of this period, not all the flowers will have opened yet. The peak bloom day is when 70 percent of the flowers are determined to have opened.

Significance in China and South Korea

In China, cherry blossoms — particularly the Prunus serrulata variety — have come to symbolize feminine beauty, love and the fleeting nature of life. They are often associated with Taoist and Confucian principles, representing harmony, renewal and the transience of existence.

The story of the cherry tree's significance in the US traces back to the early 20th century when Japan gifted thousands of cherry blossom trees to Washington, D.C., as a symbol of friendship.

Cherry Trees Likely Originated in China's Himalayan Highlands. While Japan is the country most famous for its love of sakura, cherry trees seem to have originally grown in China's Himalayan highlands, with the trees only making it to Japan around 1,100 years ago.

The International Cherry Blossom Festival is held in Macon, Georgia every spring. Macon, known as the "Cherry Blossom Capital of the World," has around 300,000–350,000 Yoshino Cherry Trees that bloom around the city in late March every year.

Georgia's Macon-Bibb county has the largest concentration of cherry trees in any U.S. county—and boasts nearly one hundred times more than the National Mall in Washington, D.C. The area celebrates its blossoms with plant sales, a parade, concerts, outdoor movies, and markets.

Branch Brook Park in Essex County, New Jersey actually holds the biggest and most diverse collection of cherry blossoms that even exceeds DC's famous sights. The Park dates all the way back to 1895 — and is, in fact, also the very first public county park in the country.

How long do cherry blossoms last? ›

The best viewing of the cherry blossom trees typically lasts four to seven days after peak bloom begins, but the blossoms can last for up to two weeks under ideal conditions. For more tips to help plan your visit, make sure to check out our list of things you need to know about the National Cherry Blossom Festival.

The tradition of celebrating the blooming of cherry trees in Japan is centuries old. The planting of cherry trees in Washington DC originated in 1912 as a gift of friendship to the People of the United States from the People of Japan. In Japan, the flowering cherry tree, or "Sakura," is an important flowering plant.

The Pink Perfection cherry tree has one of the longest lasting flowers of all the Japanese Cherry which last for several weeks from early May which is ideal for those people that like to spend some time in their garden and enjoy the view.

Autumn cherry trees are low-maintenance and extremely rewarding. Set them up for success, and you'll enjoy a beautiful range of foliage colors year-round and soft clusters of blossoms twice per year.

Their life spans are usually 15 to 25 years long, though in optimal conditions, they have been known to reach 30 to 40 years of age. On the other hand, some (like black cherry trees) can live much longer. Black cherries have been known to reach 250 years old under the right conditions.

They symbolise hope, new beginnings, and even love. In folk belief, the blossom trees were considered sacred and believed to be dwelling places for mountain deities who transformed into the gods of rice paddies. Even today, cherry blossoms hold immense cultural significance.

In the spring the Cherry Blossom literally springs forth with joy. Each day, we too should praise the Lord with joy for all he does for us. We should have a spring in our step as we share with others God's greatness, goodness, and power.

The flowering part of a plant or tree that will form the seeds or fruit is called a blossom and synonyms include bloom and flower. The noun can also refer to the state of such flowering.

Cherry blossoms are also seen as a symbol of renewal, representing the promise of new beginnings. In Japan, cherry blossom season happens at the same time as the start of the school year, making it a time of new beginnings and fresh starts!