George Roberts
One less reason to hate allergy season
Photo courtesy of Washington DC official website
Washington D.C.’s National Cherry Blossom Festival means different things to different people. To some, it is a symbol of diplomacy and an important reminder of the friendship our country shares with Japan. To most, it is a time where a few trees turn funny colors and start to mass-produce allergens. But what does this time truly mean from a historical-and contemporary-perspective?
In order to truly understand the meaning behind this time of spring we need to go back to the distant past, to a time before time. In 1885, the future first female board member of the National geographic society brought a proposal before the U.S. army superintendent of parks and rec or something. Her name was Eliza Scidmore, and she wanted to plant cherry blossom trees in D.C.; a dream that was quickly shot down. Eliza persisted however, and soon cherry blossoms were being brought to D.C. regardless.
Eventually, Eliza’s efforts were noticed by someone in power, the first lady Helen Taft. As Helen began preparations to plant cherry trees along the canal on the national mall, a Japanese chemist offered to give 2000 more trees on behalf of Japan, to help foster positive relations between the two countries. The gift of cherry trees ended up being a bit of an ordeal, with many hiccups and problems hindering the process, but eventually, the trees did end up here. They were planted throughout the national mall, but specifically around the canal, reflecting pool, and other aquatic bodies so that the brilliant blossoms could be reflected on the surface of the water.
The rich history of the cherry trees in DC is deep enough for an article of its own, but it is equally important to talk about the modern side of this seasonal event. First, a bit of context. For those readers who live in Antarctica or never learned how seasons work I guess, spring is the season of the year after winter where nature starts recovering. It is during this time that most flowering plants begin to bloom again, having been unable to during the cold of winter. One of these flowering plants is the cherry tree. The festival corresponds with the blooming of the cherry blossoms, taking place from March 20 to April 16.
Since the first festival in 1935, the National Cherry Blossom Festival has evolved into a multi-week celebration that attracts millions of visitors each year. The festival features a wide range of events, including the opening ceremony, a parade, a kite festival, and a fireworks show. One of the highlights of the festival is the Cherry Blossom Parade, which takes place along Constitution Avenue. The parade features colorful floats, marching bands, and performers from around the world. Another popular event is the Blossom Kite Festival, which takes place on the National Mall and features kite-flying demonstrations and competitions.
The festival also includes a variety of cultural events, such as Japanese tea ceremonies, traditional dance performances, and art exhibits. These events help to promote cultural exchange and understanding between the United States and Japan.
In recent years, the festival has also become a platform for environmental awareness and sustainability. The organizers have implemented measures to reduce waste and promote eco-friendly practices, such as using compostable plates and utensils at food events and encouraging visitors to use public transportation or bike to the festival.
The National Cherry Blossom Festival is more than just a celebration of spring and beautiful flowers. It is a reminder of the strong relationship between the United States and Japan, and a showcase of cultural diversity and environmental responsibility. The festival continues to evolve and grow, providing a unique experience for visitors from around the world.