INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT CHERRY BLOSSOM FROM AROUND THE WORLD
Spring is gently nuzzling it’s way into the tail end of winter, to reveal crisp blue skies interspersed with pink and white hues of fluffy petals and carpets of ethereal fallen cherry blossom dominating the newly turned green grass. Here are some of the most interesting facts about cherry blossom you’ll be surprised to learn!
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It’s a sign of new beginnings, growth and the transition but did you know that’s these delicate flowers symbolise renewal and come with interesting facts from around the world? Read on to add some blossom trivia to your bag of party tricks and fun facts!
Interesting Facts About Cherry Blossom
Cherry Blossom Symbolise Renewal
In Japanese these blooms are known as ‘sakura’. Almost all of us want to experience Sakura in Japan thanks to Instagram but did you know that they’re a symbol of spring and represent renewal. As the flowers are short-lived, they also show that life doesn’t last for long.
Sir Isaac Newton’s Tree
Woolsthorpe Manor, which is part of the National Trust, houses one of the most famous blossom trees in the world. For this is the tree, Newton in 1666 said to have come up with the notion of gravity after studying apples falling from the tree.
Picnic’s Beneath Blossom Trees in Not An English Tradition
The old custom of sitting beneath cherry trees to enjoy picnics is actually a Japanese tradition knowns as Hanami. Early records show in Japanese culture, Emperors held spring feasts under the pretty pink cherry flowering trees during Sakura season.
Cherry Blossom Trees In The USA Date Back To 1912
In 1912, the first cherry blossom was planted in the USA after being gifted by the Japanese as a treaty of friendship. It’s said that around 3,000 trees of 12 varieties were sent from Yokoshama to Seattle. After which they were transported to Washington D.C
You Will Not Believe Who The Cherry Blossom Title Of The World Goes To!
It doesn’t go to Washington or Japan. Infact it goes to Macon in Georgia. It is home to over 350,000 budding trees. Macon has 90 times the amount that Washington DC has!
Washington is one of the most popular places to travel during cherry blossom season if you’re based in the USA, but you can also see them in Boston’s Charles River, the Cherry Blossom Walk in Nashville, the Roosevelt Island Cherry Blossom Festival in New York City, and the Missouri Botanical Garden in St. Louis.
Cherry Blossom Are Not Thought To Originate From Japan
The flowers are said to be native to the Himalayas. It is thought by researchers, that cherry blossoms (especially the most common Yoshino blossoms (the most widely seen ones globally) are thought to have originated in Eurasia before migrating over to Japan.
Blossom Has A Short Life Span
Usually, they can only survive around 16-20 years however certain species like the black cherry tree can live up to a staggering 250 years.
The Petals Of The Flower Are Edible
The flower Petals and leaves are used in traditional Japanese sweets and teas. They are usually pickled and used in mochi cakes, chocolates and cookies. Sakura tea and cocktails can also be made by preserving them.
There’s A Cherry Blossom Ice-Cream
In 2016, Baskin Robbins made a limited edition cherry blossom flavour ice cream and I had no idea that in 2018 Haagen-Dazs made a cherry blossom flavour specifically for Valentine’s Day in the UK. I bet this is one of the facst you didn’t know about blossom?!
Cherry Blossom Are The Main Ingredient In A Fragrance In The USA
A scent by Bath & Body Works contains Japanese Cherry blossom and sells around 30 million bottle per year!!
Facts About Cherry Blossom: Related Reading
À bientôt
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Binny
I love these facts! I am so gutted was meant to go to Japan on a press trip during cherry blossom season but had to decline because of a fam wedding lol now god knows when I can even leave north London LOL I love spring. Its a mood lifter as I can’t deal with winter having been brought up in sunshine all year round. I am feeling hopeful xx
Bejal
BinnyThanks Binny! Oh no I do hope you get another opportunity to visit, such a shame. Fingers crossed you can enjoy some more sunshine back home after the restrictions are lifted. B xx
Emmalene aka A Brummie Home and Abroad
Nothing says springtime more than beautiful blossom! Like Binny we were hoping to catch the cherry blossom in Japan in 2020 – but it’s another trip to plan for the future! Also…heads off to local supermarket to find out if cherry blossom is a thing.. 🙂 x
Bejal
Emmalene aka A Brummie Home and AbroadAbsolutely agree! Aww I really hope you get a chance to visit sometime soonish. I don’t think they have that flavour of ice0cream anymore as it was Limited Edition for that particular year. B xx
Emma @ Adventures of a London Kiwi
I adore these facts!
Bejal
Emma @ Adventures of a London KiwiThanks Emma! Such beautiful flowers!
Neha
Love all things cherry blossom and excited for the new feature National Trust are going to have in Nottingham. Always wanted to visit Japan however I have been told with the climate changes it isn’t always guaranteed. Now a cherry blossom inspired cocktails always goes down well
Bejal
NehaYayy! So gorgeous aren’t they! Oh yes I read about the National Trust blossoms, such a great idea. Same, I think environmental changes have literally changed the sakura season which is a shame si it’s luck of teh draw but still such a dreamy idea to be there! One day!
Laura
Great facts! I don’t know anyone that doesn’t love blossom, it is so very pretty!
Bejal
LauraThanks Laura! It really is the most gorgeous sign of spring!
Scarlett Roitman
I’ve never been more excited about seeing cherry blossom than this year. What fun facts, had NO idea about Macon. That’s enough of a reason to visit. For now, it’s going to have to be Kew Gardens and Ravenscourt Park!
Bejal
Scarlett RoitmanI know eactly what you mean Scarlett! Aww youre very lucky there are some great places around you to see the beautiful blossom. B x