#25 Postcard Trivia 5.8.18
Postcard c. 1930. From the collection of J Garner.
If you hurry, you can still make it to Japan in time to see this season's cherry blossoms. This vintage postcard depicts a group of boats "hunting after cherry blossoms." Cherry trees only bloom for a few days in the spring, usually in March and April, but it can vary depending on the location and the climate. Celebrating the blooming of the cherry trees has been a Japanese tradition for centuries. A blossom "watch party" is called a hanami. Groups of friends and family sit on mats under the trees and visit while enjoying the beauty. For tourists, there are many ways to view cherry blossoms, but many who have experienced it agree that the best way is on a boat. The blossoms create a beautiful pallet of color along the riverbanks. See image below. If you don't want to travel to Japan, Washington, D.C. is another option for cherry blossom viewing. The cherry trees lining the Tidal Basin in our nation's capitol also bloom in March and April. You can even rent a paddle boat for optimal viewing along the basin!
Update 3.26.19 - Cherry blossoms viewing can happen in Texas also! The cherry trees at the Dallas Arboretum were in full bloom during the first week of spring, 2019. I visited the arboretum on March 21 (the first full day of spring) and took the photos below. J. Garner
Trivia Question:
The cherry trees in Washington, D.C. were a gift from the people of Japan. In what year did 3,020 trees arrive in Washington from Tokyo?
A. 1912 B. 1948 C. 1972
See answer below.
Answer to Trivia Question:
A. 1912. First Lady Helen Taft was instrumental in getting the cherry trees to Washington. She had lived in Japan and was a big fan of the beautiful blossoms.
Source Links:
Washington Cherry Blossom Watch