Cherry blossom is the national flower of Japan, where it originated. The main characteristic of the cherry blossom is that when it falls, it does so at once. It symbolizes the militarism and Samurai spirit of the Japanese. There is no scent in cherry blossom grown in Korea and the US. But, in Japan, people praise the scent of the cherry blossom and it is often spoken of in poems.

To honor its beauty, and short life span, the Japanese celebrate its arrival with a yearly festival. Friends gather under the trees to enjoy “ Sake”(rice wine), sing songs, and celebrate the coming of spring. It is used in wedding ceremonies because the Japanese love to enjoy the cherry blossom scent during happy occasions. Most events, such as an entrance ceremony or the starting of a company with relates to “the start of life” are held during “the month of blooming cherry blossoms” in April.

There is an expression that, “A flower is a cherry blossom, a person is Samurai.” It means that when the Samurai faces danger, he is not afraid of death, because, like a cherry blossom, he will shrivel and fall at once, without hesitation. To the Japanese, this tree represents not ascetic beauty, but also transience melancholy, and the honor of graceful resignation. Many references to the cherry blossom are found in Japanese poetry and literature. These trees have been offered by Japan as symbols of peace to the countries of the world. Cherry blossoms now adorn the banks of the Potomac River, in Washington DC, and the remains of Berlin wall.