The cherry blossom – or Sakura- is Japan’s unofficial national flower.
It has been celebrated for centuries as one of the most beautiful and delicate parts of the Japanese culture.
Sakura blossoms bloom for only a few days during the warmer months of spring. And so, every March and April millions of Japanese take the time to gather in parks, castles, along riverbanks and where ever the sakura grow for the past time of ‘hanami’ or flower viewing.
But why is this? What is it about these small pink flowers that draws people’s hearts and minds?
The sakura is symbolic of many things in Japanese culture. The short lifespan of the blossom – less than a week – is seen to represent the fragility of life and mortality.
Yet at the same time it is also seen as a symbol of good fortune, of love and of course spring.
With so many meanings represented in this one flower it is no wonder its such a large part of Japanese culture.
Yet there is one other significance to the sakura. And that is Hope.
Sakura is also a symbol of new life – of Hope. It is hope for new life and new beginnings.
The blossoming of the cherry blossom traditionally coincide with the beginning of both the school year and the time when new recruits join companies all around Japan.
For those Japanese beginning their career during the blossoming sakura, many areas of life have begun anew. But how much more for those who come to accept the gospel for themselves, those who find Hope in the new life brought not through the flowering of the sakura, but through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ upon the cross. Hope, not of a life that lasts for a week then fades away, but a life that lasts for eternity.
It is our hope and prayer that as the cherry blossoms flower throughout Japan, people’s hearts and minds would turn to the one who truly brings new life to the world.
Please join us in our prayers .