Cherry Blossom Beauty vs. Crab Apple Awesomeness

“When the cherries begin to bloom,

Let me know at once”:

The mountain-man has not forgotten my word;

I hear him come. “Saddle the horse, quick!”

~ Minamoto no Yorismasa

What is it about cherry blossoms?

Shortly after returning from Japan, our Minnesotan crab apple trees were starting to bloom in rich, textured hues of pinks and purples. The individual blossoms are surely as complex as those of the esteemed cherry tree, which begs the question, “Why do the cherries get all the attention?”

You know you can see cherry blossoms in Washington DC -- they have over 3000! We also came upon a beautiful park in Stockholm in full bloom a couple of springs ago.

So the real question is, what is it about cherry blossoms in Japan?

I think it comes down to aesthetic appreciation and downright enthusiasm. We need the Japanese mind, carefully attuned to seasonal aesthetics, to inspire us, to show us how to appreciate them.

Thanks to the tradition of Zen, imported from China, and nature-focused indigenous Shintoism, the Japanese are just more connected and aware of their natural surroundings. This is quite a statement, as many of them live in some of the most densely populated urban jungles on earth. They don’t have nature right outside their door; they have to go out of their way, to a park or garden, to see it.

Maybe that’s why cherry blossoms are so essential to their modern lives. Somehow, they prioritize nature and manage to make a simple outing into a full-fledged event. And it’s not just cherry blossoms. The Japanese like “viewing” everything from snowflakes to fall foliage to the moon--they’re really into the moon. Pack a bento, bring a blanket, call friends, and make a day or evening of it!

I hate to point out the obvious, but here goes: we ALSO have flowering trees, snowflakes, fall foliage, and The Moon, right here, in Minnesota! You don’t have to wait for a trip to Japan to be a little Japanese! We have Asian markets full of mochi, green teas, and grocery stores selling take-out sushi. You can even get pretty decent sake these days.

I wonder how many people visiting Falcon Heights City Hall (below), conducting the business of life, pause for even a moment to look up and notice the trees? Somehow, these crab apple trees elevate even 1970’s brutalist architecture!

So why not try a picnic with a Japanese twist? Sit on the ground under a tree. Your hips may object, intially, but thank you later. Many sedentary afflictions are combated by sitting on the ground. Refreshments are key. Try to keep conversation “in the moment,” observing what’s happening in the here-and-now. Less about people, more about nature. Try not to self-distract with phones, kids, pets, frisbees, etc. You want to get into the “default mode” network where you lose track of time, and your mind can “take out the trash.” Your 5 senses are open, your “task mode” is off.

This time of year (early summer), Japanese turn their attention to hydrangeas--many of you have several in your yards! Have you even just gone out and “viewed” them--no weeding, no puttering? Just sit down and watch. Bring snacks. Have a low-key Japanese good time! I’ll be viewing the moon this weekend and sharing poetry with a couple of students who joined me for Japanic! 2026. I have my poetry selection ready to go, The Buddha at Kamakura, so I’m set for a Samurai Saturday Night!

O ye who tread the Narrow Way

By Tophet-flare to judgment Day,

Be gentle when “the heathen” pray

To Buddha at Kamakura!

~ Rudyard Kipling