How the Germans were introduced to Japanese cherry blossom

Text: Deutsche Welle

In Japan, blooming cherry trees (sakura) are more than just a spring ritual. The cherry blossom symbolizes the bond between man and nature.

Text: Deutsche Welle

This integral part of Japanese culture is based on the philosophy of “mono no aware” — an appreciation of impermanence.

Text: Deutsche Welle

The blooms last for about ten days, a period that is also eagerly awaited in Germany.

Text: Deutsche Welle

“Among the branches of the cherry trees in bloom, no one is a stranger here,” reads a small bronze plaque on a memorial stone in former East Berlin.

Text: Deutsche Welle

At the site of the so-called “death strip” that ran parallel to the Berlin Wall to discourage escape attempts, Japanese citizens initiated and collected donations to plant a thousand cherry trees. 

Text: Deutsche Welle

The project celebrated the unification of East and West Germany in the early 1990s.

Text: Deutsche Welle

ALSO CHECK OUT:

Experts share tips for diabetics observing a fast during Ramadan