{"id":21215,"date":"2023-11-12T17:00:24","date_gmt":"2023-11-12T15:00:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.branchthetree.com\/?p=21215"},"modified":"2023-11-12T17:00:24","modified_gmt":"2023-11-12T15:00:24","slug":"why-is-it-called-a-cherry-blossom-tree","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.branchthetree.com\/why-is-it-called-a-cherry-blossom-tree\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Is It Called A Cherry Blossom Tree"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Cherry blossoms, also known as “sakura” in Japan, have become a symbolism of beauty and fragility across the world and have been adopted by many cultures. From latte art to cherry blossom themed festivals, the beauty of these pink and white petals has been celebrated and enjoyed throughout the ages.<\/p>\n

Despite the popularity of sakura and its strong cultural connotation, many still find themselves asking the same question: why is it called a “cherry blossom” tree?<\/p>\n

As it turns out, the reason it is called a “cherry blossom” tree dates back to ancient times. According to the Japanese government’s website “Kokusen”, cherry blossom trees can be traced back to the reign of Emperor Buretsu (685-724 AD). It is believed that Buretsu enjoyed looking at the blossoms and named them “sakura”, which translates to “cherry blossom.” From then on, the name “sakura” has been used to refer to cherry blossom trees in Japan.<\/p>\n

Dr. Takashi Yano, a professor of botany at Kyoto University has said, “The name ‘cherry blossom’ was initially derived from the distinctive shape of the petals, which resemble small cherries. There are different types of sakura, but the most common type found in Japan is the Somei Yoshino cherry, which is known for its light pink petals.” From the light pink colour of the petals to the shape, it’s easy to see why the petals of a cherry blossom tree resemble small cherries.<\/p>\n