Enjoying The Beautiful Cherry Blossoms

Summary

The article discusses the joy and beauty of cherry blossoms, particularly in Washington, D.C. and Utah, and their significance during the pandemic.

Abstract

The author reflects on the enchanting experience of cherry blossom viewing amidst the global pandemic, emphasizing their fleeting beauty each spring. In Washington, D.C., the cherry blossoms are a major attraction, drawing thousands of visitors for the annual Cherry Blossom Festival, interrupted only by the coronavirus. Japan's cultural reverence for cherry blossoms, symbolizing good fortune and love, is mirrored in the United States, with states like Utah adorning their capitol with these trees, some gifted from Japan. Despite the pandemic's constraints on gatherings, the author highlights the personal solace found in the beauty of cherry blossoms near the Utah State Capitol, where 433 Yoshino cherry trees create a picturesque walkway. The article encourages readers to seek out cherry blossoms or enjoy their beauty through photographs as a source of comfort during challenging times.

Opinions

The author finds great pleasure and a sense of good fortune in the beauty of cherry blossoms, which are a symbol of love and affection.
The cherry blossoms are seen as a source of beauty and enjoyment that can uplift spirits during the safety guidelines imposed by the COVID-19 crisis.
The author treasures the memory of seeing cherry blossoms in Washington, D.C. and around the Utah State Capitol.
The article implies that the beauty of the cherry blossoms in Utah rivals that of Washington, D.C., with the Utah State Capitol's cherry tree path being particularly noted for its tranquility and aesthetic appeal.
The author expresses a personal connection to the cherry blossoms, having planned a family gathering to celebrate them but adapting to pandemic restrictions by enjoying them on a personal level.

Bringing some beauty into life during the pandemic

Cherry Blossoms at the Tidal Basin and the Washington Monument (image is author’s)

During this difficult time of the global pandemic, we would be well to enjoy the beauties of nature. Cherry blossoms have a short life each spring as they bloom in their majesty, but we can look at the photos to enjoy them all year round.

One of the greatest pleasures for me of living in the Washington, D.C. area for thirteen years was being able to enjoy the beauty of the cherry blossoms. People come to the nation’s capital every year by the thousands to partake of the cherry blossoms which grace the city each spring. A two week long Cherry Blossom Festival has been a highlight for many years. Tourists plan trips specifically to see the cherry blossoms (until the coronavirus struck and threw off travel plans). We can all use a little beauty as we practice guidelines to stay safe during the COVID-19 crisis.

Japan especially reveres the cherry blossoms known as “sakura.” The blossoms are a symbol of good fortune, love, and affection. Most people in Japan enjoy the beauty of the cherry blossoms and have celebrations when the blossoms are out.

Many states also have cherry blossoms which grace their state capitol buildings. Some of the trees were gifts from Japan. Utah is one of the states which has beautiful cherry trees around the State Capitol.

Cherry Blossoms at the Utah State Capitol (image is author’s)

A year ago last spring after we had returned to live in Utah, we drove to the Utah State Capitol from where we were living in a suburb just south of Salt Lake City. We had gone to see the cherry blossoms which surrounded the Capitol. While we had lived in Utah years earlier, there had been a single row of cherry trees in front of the Capitol building. They were beautiful and enjoyed by all who saw them during their short span of blooming usually in April. Now cherry trees are on a path which goes all around the Capitol.

The first cherry blossom trees at the Utah State Capitol were from Seattle, Washington, and were planted in late April 1931. More trees were added after World War II when Japan sent gifts, including Kwanzan cherry trees, to the Utah Capitol as a symbol of friendship between Japan and the United States.

Those trees and others at the Capitol were removed in the late 1990s and early 2000s after they were found to be damaged or dying. Many had been damaged when a tornado struck downtown Salt Lake City in 1999.

When the Utah State Capitol had a complete renovation in 2007, cherry trees, which were grown in Oregon specifically for the Capitol, were purchased. The 433 Yoshino cherry trees were planted to create an arch of branches along a .7 acre walkway all around the Capitol.

Cherry Tree Path at the Utah State Capitol (image is the author’s)

After moving to an area of Salt Lake City very close to the Capitol building last summer, we thought we would like to have a family gathering at our home to celebrate the cherry blossoms in the spring. Then the coronavirus pandemic struck so it was not possible to meet in groups. We were able to personally enjoy the cherry blossoms each time we drove down the street. They are a thing of beauty and tranquility.

The beauty of the path of cherry blossoms at the Utah State Capitol during the spring rivals the beauty of the cherry blossoms in Washington, D.C. where thousands of tourists flock each year to view them.

Cherry Blossoms at the National Japanese American Memorial in Washington, D.C. (image is the author’s)

If you have the opportunity during the spring to see the cherry blossoms anywhere, be sure to do it. If not, enjoy photos of the beautiful pink and white blossoms. They bring beauty to the earth and enjoyment to the public. We can all use a little beauty in our lives during these trying times with the global pandemic affecting all of us.

Washington, D.C. Cherry Blossoms (image is author’s)

[Information taken from the Internet, Deseret News, and KSL.com]