From ice caves -- to blooming flowers in our nation's capital. Later this month, people from all over will travel to Washington D.C. for the national cherry blossom festival. The National Park Service says peak bloom, which just means 70% of the blossoms are open -- is projected to be between March 31st and April 3rd.
The cherry blossom is a cultural symbol in Japan, featured in many artworks, films, and consumer goods.
Each year, the festival in Washington commemorates the gift of the cherry trees from Japan in 1912. In a move that marked the then-growing friendship, Japan gifted the United States with over 3,000 cherry blossom trees. The first two trees were planted by the wife of a Chinese ambassador along with the first lady at the time and Ohio native, Helen Herron Taft.
Instructional Links
Website: National Cherry Blossom Festival http://www.nationalcherryblossomfestival.org
Website Article: National Park Service, History of the Cherry Trees http://www.nps.gov/subjects/cherryblossom/history-of-the-cherry-trees.htm
Website Article: Inside Japan, Sakura, Cherry Blossom https://www.insidejapantours.com/japanese-culture/cherry-blossom/