What is the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the word "cherry blossoms"?
I think many people imagine "Japanese" as the word.
Although cherry blossoms are a beloved flower among Japanese people, surprisingly few people know much about their ecology!
This time, we will share some cherry blossom facts that you can be proud of knowing.
・Types of cherry blossoms
Although we often refer to it as "cherry blossoms," there are actually many different types. Do you know how many there are? The variety commonly seen at cherry blossom viewing parties is "Somei Yoshino." It is said that approximately 80% of the cherry trees planted in Japan are "Somei Yoshino." When people in Japan think of cherry blossoms, they probably think of "Somei Yoshino." Many people have also heard of "weeping cherry," with its beautiful, flowing pale crimson blossoms, and "yaezakura," which has more petals than other cherry trees and is more showy. As you can see, there are many different types of cherry blossoms, each with its own unique characteristics. It is said that if you classify them in detail, there are over 600 types of cherry blossoms. It might be fun to take a trip to see the various types of cherry blossoms all over Japan!
・When is cherry blossom season?
When we think of cherry blossoms, we think of flower viewing, and when we think of flower viewing, we think of spring! So, many people associate cherry blossoms with spring. As mentioned earlier, the most well-known cherry tree in Japan, the Somei Yoshino, blooms in spring, so it's generally considered a spring flower. However, among the more than 600 varieties of cherry blossoms, there are some that bloom in winter. As the name suggests, they are called "winter cherry blossoms," and their paler flowers bloom between October and January compared to the Somei Yoshino. Seeing cherry blossoms in winter is somehow romantic! Even more romantic are the "everlasting cherry blossoms." As the name "everlasting" suggests, these cherry blossoms are said to bloom almost year-round, from around October to April. Many people generally think that the cherry blossoms are only visible for about a month after they are announced to be in bloom on television, but with some varieties, you can actually see them for such a long time!
・A "Japanese" design with a cherry blossom motif
Cherry blossoms are a common motif in Japanese culture. They appear on stamps, tenugui towels, pottery, kimonos, and all sorts of other Japanese items. International tourists often purchase cherry blossom-themed items as souvenirs of their visit to Japan. Kimono and obi sashes featuring cherry blossoms are especially popular, regardless of nationality. Wearing a kimono or obi with a cherry blossom design will naturally elevate your demeanor! Some people believe that kimonos and obi sashes featuring seasonal flowers can only be worn during that season, but this is not the case. As mentioned earlier, some types of cherry blossoms bloom throughout the year, and some say that even the spring-blooming Somei Yoshino cherry blossoms can be worn regardless of the season as long as they feature only the unbranched flowers. In fact, there are many yukata kimonos featuring cherry blossoms. Even the same cherry blossom design can have a completely different impact depending on the color, petal shape, and flower size. With summer coming to an end, why not try a yukata with a cherry blossom design for a sophisticated outing? Find your own cherry blossom at wargo's yukata shop hiyori and become a beautiful Japanese woman!
▼Cherry Blossom Yukata products are here!
Yukata shop hiyori
