The Japanese are very proud of their national flower, the cherry blossom. This may be due to the fact that it is completely their own and cannot be found anywhere else in the world. When these beautiful flowers start to open their petals in spring, the single-petal first followed by the double-petal variety, the people are overwhelmed with joy. In order to celebrate the arrival of spring and the blooming of the cherry blossom, the Japanese get together and enjoy the aesthetic beauty of nature’s beautiful creation, cherry blossom.

Cherry blossom seems to be the guiding force in the life of the Japanese and reflects their national sprit very well. The Japanese often draw a comparison of the short life span of the flowers with that of the famous samurai warriors who were ready to sacrifice their life at any moment for the sake of their masters. The flower comprises the theme of their musical verses, poems and is used in their handicrafts down the ag`f`fes.

The flower is an important part of Japanese tradition. The flowers preserved in salt are boiled to make a drink which is served traditionally at the weddings as a prayer for the happy and blissful life for the married couple. The wood is useful in making wood blocks for the production of seals, checker boards, colour prints, trays, tables, and many decorative pieces of furniture. The polished bark is used for making art boxes and cigarette cases.