Plant paradise: Sakura – soul of the samurai

(Sakura) cherry blossoms

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Quiz: Which flower is associated with the soul of the samurai?

Answer: “The soul of sakura is the soul of the bushido (and therefore a symbol of chivalry) and the heart of bushido is the heart of Japan”  so the samurai saying goes. One weeping cherry in Japan is known to be over a thousand years old. The wood of the cherry tree is very hard and is used to make woodblocks, and also furniture and flooring.

Sakura blossoms are seen from around the end of March, with some flowering species seen later in early April.

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