When the daffodils begin to peek up through the ground and flowering tree cover all the cars with pollen, spring is on the way. Around the world people travel to see the cherry blossoms. The best places to go to see these spectacular displays are Tokyo, Paris, Taiwan, Stockholm, Japan, New York, South Korea, Portland, Denmark, Canada, Amsterdam, São Paulo, and in the northeast, Washington, DC.
The National Cherry Blossom Festival occurs from late March to early April. It honors Japan’s gift of 3,000 cherry trees to the United States on March 27, 1912. They represent friendship and goodwill, and were meant to strengthen the bond between the two countries. This bond has strengthened over time; however, Japan’s attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941, stretched relations almost past repair. Vandals cut down four cherry trees, and on one wrote the crude inscription, “To heck with Japan,” highlighting the tensions of the era. From 1942 to 1947, there was no Cherry Blossom Festival. It wasn’t until after World War II, that Japan and the United States repaired their friendship.
The trees flourished, and the National Cherry Blossom Festival was reinstated. Over the years the festival has grown. Today, thousands of people from around the world come to see the trees in bloom all around the Tidal Basin. Japan’s gift has become a symbol of the enduring friendship between the two nations, especially over immigration and trade issues. The breathtaking cherry blossoms are an iconic symbol of Japan, and a cherished part of American culture.
This year, peak blooms are predicted to appear between March 28-31. The website Bloom Watch will provide you with a live feed of the cherry blossoms in Washington D.C. by the Thomas Jefferson monument, and keep you abreast of all things related to cherry blossoms in the area. Of course, you don’t have to go to D.C. to see cherry blossoms. Baker Park is one of the best places in Frederick to go see these stunning trees. Some say the Washington Monument State Park is another option as it has great views. Students at Walkersville say they can see them in their back yard. Wherever you decide to go, its a sign that spring is here.
Guide to Springtime in Frederick County, MD
