Sakura Display

It is that time of the year again – time of the Sakura Season, or the cherry, and peach blossoms. In Japan, this marks the beginning of Spring, and the Japanese calendar. It signifies new hopes and fresh dreams for the year ahead. To celebrate this new season, there is 'Hanami' which literally translates to ‘flower viewing’. Japanese gather in groups to party or picnic under the flowering trees.

Singapore weather is not suitable for growing cherries or peaches. However, the Gardens by the Bay had a Sakura display beginning from the fourth of March to the third of April of this year, at the Flower Dome where it is always springtime.

This year, the display of cherry and peach blossoms had a Tokidoki theme. Tokidoki is an internationally recognized and iconic lifestyle brand of cute characters which have garnered a cult-life following.

Besides that, there were also free cultural programmes including a Japanese Tea Ceremony Workshop, koto and erhu performances and a Japanese folk dance recital.

The red structure is called Torii. A signboard explained that - “A Torii is a traditional Japanese gate, usually located at the entrance of Shinto shrines. It marks the transition from the secular to the sacred, though it is also sometimes simply used to denote a place that has deep religious meaning.” Prunus Persica

Prunus Snow Mountains

Prunus Accolade

Prunus Nipponnica var. 'Brilliant'.

Cute characters from the Tokidoki collection. "The Unicornos were once simple little ponies that were out trotting and wandered into a magic waterfall. Passing through the waterfall, the ponies transformed into unicorns and found a hidden magical kingdom. The Unicornos live between the magic kingdom and our world." - Source

The following photo shows the art of Ikebana – the ancient and traditional art of Japanese flower arrangement. Together with the flower arrangement is a Haiku. The signboard explained that -

“Ikebana aims to highlight the innate beauty and grace of nature with the minimal use of floral materials. It conveys and evokes emotions through the lines, structure and colours of the floral arrangements.”

And Haiku is a “form of Japanese poetry made of three short, unrhymed lines with a 5-7-5 syllable pattern. Often focusing on images from nature which evoke a specific season. Haiku emphasizes simplicity, intensity, and directness of expression.”

The next photo shows a Koinobori.

From the information on the signboard - “Koinobori meaning ‘carp’ (koi) streamer or flag (nobori) in Japanese are carp-shaped windsocks. The carp symbolizes courage and strength because of its ability to swim against the strong currents of rapid flowing streams and cascades. Hence carp flags were considered symbols of success and advancement.”

More photos of the peach and cherry blossoms at the display.

I am glad I went to the Sakura display. It was very informative. Japan is a country rich is culture and traditions. I am glad I learned about some of them through the Sakura Display.

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