Hanami

Hanami means flower appreciatng or flower viewing.It tend to refer to sakuras or cherryblossoms which blossom during late march to early may.The blossom forecast is announced each year by the weather bureau.In modern Japan it is nomally an outdoor party beneath the sakura trees.Hanami when at night is called yozakura (lit. "night sakura").

History of Hanami:

This practise is centuries old & was said to be influenced by the Chinese Tang Dynasty.
Poems would be written praising the delicate flowers, which were seen as a metaphor for life itself, luminous and beautiful yet fleeting and ephemeral. This was said to be the origin of hanami in Japan.The custom was originally limited to the Imperial Court, but by the Edo period, it was spread to the common people as well.Under the sakura trees, people had lunch and drank sake in cheerful feasts.
Today, the Japanese people continue the tradition of hanami, they gather in great numbers wherever the flowering trees are found. Thousands of people fill the parks to hold feasts under the flowering trees, and sometimes these parties go on until late at night.They continue the tradition of hanami by taking part in the processional walks through the parks which is a form of retreat for contemplating and renewing their spirits.

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hanami

Opinions

Jiayin: I find hanami rather meaningful. This is a great way for family bonding in which people gather together under the cherryblossoms to appreciate nature wonders. Personally, I hope that such festival can be conducted in Singapore.

Saradevi: I feel that Hanami is meaningful as it encourages family bonding & appreciation of nature.In my opinion, this calming festival should be participated by more families.

Yu Shan: I feel that Hanami is a significant and important event. Famiies and relatives can take this opportunity to bond together, have a reunion dinner and appreciate the beauty of Mother Nature and poems. It is also an interesting way of reuniting with our families and relatives. Hanami is similar to the appreciation of Sentosa Flowers in Singapore.

Alvita: I feel that Hanami is a good way to calm your soul. You will feel as one with nature and at peace. This will be a good time with your family or even distant relatives. We can also celebrate the peacefulness with your close friends.