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Cherry Tree on the Campus of Farmingdale State College taken by Skylark
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SKYLARK'S ARTICLE OF THE WEEK - IT'S CHERRY BLOSSOM SEASON
It's Cherry Blossom Season, and the cherry trees are in full bloom. They are truly gorgeous. I talk to them and tell them how beautiful they are. I think they know it. Cherry trees have their origin in Japan. The tradition of celebrating them is centuries old there. Now, they are everywhere. Just look around.
Cherry trees typically bloom around late March to early April, but precisely when in that period is very much dependent on the weather conditions in the weeks and months leading up to it. Cooler temperatures bring a later bloom. Warmer temperatures bring an earlier bloom. Mid-April is generally peak for cherry blossoms in our part of the world. Make sure to take it all in as they only bloom for about two weeks. It's worth the wait.
The planting of cherry trees in the United States originated in Washington, DC in 1912 as a gift of friendship to the People of the United States from the People of Japan. In Japan, the flowering cherry tree, or "Sakura," is an important flowering plant. The beauty of the cherry blossom is a symbol with rich meaning in Japanese culture. The Sakura's meaning is also contradictory. It symbolizes both life and death, beauty and violence. As the coming of spring promises new life, so the blooming of cherry blossoms brings a sense of vitality and vibrancy. At the same time, their short lifespan is a reminder that life is fleeting. Enjoy every moment.
In 1885, Mrs. Eliza Ruhamah Scidmore was a world traveler, writer, and diplomat at a time when social norms kept many women at home. Upon returning to Washington from her first visit to Japan, Eliza approached the U.S. Army Superintendent of the Office of Public Buildings and Grounds with a proposal that Japanese cherry trees be planted one day along the reclaimed Potomac waterfront. Her request fell on deaf ears. Over the next twenty-four years, Mrs. Scidmore approached every new superintendent to propose the idea of Japanese cherry trees in Washington DC.
In 1906, Dr. David Fairchild, plant explorer and U.S. Department of Agriculture official, imported seventy-five flowering cherry trees and twenty-five single-flowered weeping types from the Yokohama Nursery Company in Japan. He was planning to test the ability of cherry trees to thrive in the environment near Washington DC. Dr. Fairchild planted these trees on a hillside on his own property in Chevy Chase, Maryland. He observed the trees growing. One year later, the experiment was deemed a success.
In 1909, Tokyo's Mayor, Yukio Ozaki, supported the gift of cherry trees to Washington DC. First Lady of the United States, Helen Herron Taft, agreed to accept a donation of 2,000 cherry trees. The first cherry trees were on their way!
The White House, Washington
April 7, 1909
Thank you very much for your suggestion about the cherry trees. I have taken the matter up and am promised the trees, but I thought perhaps it would be best to make an avenue of them, extending down to the turn in the road, as the other part is still too rough to do any planting. Of course, they could not reflect in the water, but the effect would be very lovely of the long avenue. Let me know what you think about this.
Sincerely yours,
Helen H. Taft
On February 14, 1912, 3,020 cherry trees from twelve varieties were shipped from Yokohama on board the S.S. Awa Maru, bound for Seattle. Upon arrival, they were transferred to insulated freight cars for the shipment to Washington, DC. They arrived on March 26 in an array of many varieties.
"Somei-Yoshino" 1,800
"Ari ake" 100
"Fugen-zo" 120
"Fuku-roku-ju" 50
"Gyo-i-ko" 20
(The Gyoiko were all planted on the White House Grounds)
"Ichiyo" 160
"Jonioi" 80
"Kwan-zan" 350
"Mikurumagayeshi" 20
"Shira-yuki" 130
"Surugadainioi" 50
"Takinioi" 140
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Over the course of the following years, there were debates about where to plant the trees and how to honor them. Many people were involved in the decision process, and in 1935, "The Cherry Blossom Festival" was sponsored jointly by many civic groups and became an annual event in subsequent years.
We still celebrate these gorgeous trees annually in many parts of our country. Thousands of people still flock to Washington, DC every year to witness their colorful, natural beauty. There are also many local places to see cherry blossoms. They have become an American favorite. Look around your neighborhood and along our roadways. I have one on my property. You probably do, too. Cherry blossoms brighten up our world.
You can read more about the history of cherry trees gifted to the United States in the link below.
https://www.nps.gov/featurecontent/cherryblossom/history-of-the-cherry-….
You can also read about The Cherry Tree Rebellion. Who knew there was such a thing. Leave it the women!
https://www.nps.gov/nama/blogs/cherry-tree-rebellion.htm
Take time over the next two weeks to enjoy the vibrant pink color of the cherry blossom. They symbolize the beginning of Spring, taking us out of the dormancy of winter and into the liveliness of this special season that marks a new beginning. Buon Primavera!
Peace and Love,
Skylark
At 60 and Beyond, visiting a garden where cherry trees are in full bloom can brighten your mood. Their rich history is symbolic of the beauty and rebirth of Spring.
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SKYLARK'S PICK OF THE WEEK - GREENPORT VILLAGE
Greenport Village on the North Fork of Long Island has a Cherry Blossom Festival that kicked off this past Saturday, on April 20, 2024. It's a perfect day trip. Don't miss these glorious trees that will be in bloom for a couple of weeks throughout the village. I'm going this Sunday. Maybe I'll see you there.
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SKYLARK'S PRAYER OF THE WEEK
Dear God,
Pray for beautiful weather to enjoy the abundance of cherry blossoms everywhere. These represent the dawn of Spring and the rebirth it brings to us all. Amen.
SKYLARK'S INSPIRATIONAL QUOTE OF THE WEEK
SKYLARK'S QUESTION OF THE WEEK
Where do you enjoying seeing Cherry Blossoms?
Please put your answer below in the Reply bubble next to the heart. I'd love to hear from you. Molto Gracie.
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SKYLARK'S SONG OF THE WEEK - CHERRY BLOSSOM by KERRY MUSGRAVES
Lyrics
Early April you walked up to me
Changing colors on city streets
Petals surrounding us in every shade of pink
We happened quickly as humans do
Summer was coming and change was too
Look at me now, I'm falling at your feet
I'm your cherry blossom baby
Don't let me blow away
I hope you haven't forgotten
Tokyo wasn't built in a day
I'm your cherry blossom baby
I don't wanna blow away
When we're on fire
It's something to see
No one can question the chemistry
Even in nature timing is everything
I'm your cherry blossom baby
Don't let me blow away
I hope you haven't forgotten
Tokyo wasn't built in a day
Yeah I'm your cherry blossom baby
I don't wanna blow away
Away
Away
I'm your cherry blossom baby
Don't let me blow away
I hope you haven't forgotten
Tokyo wasn't built in a day
I'm your cherry blossom baby
Don't wanna blow away
Away
Away
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ABOUT MY BRAND, SKYLARK LIVE
My brand, Skylark Live, was born out of my turning 60 and noticing a profound shift in this age. I wanted to talk about it and share what I was experiencing with the hope of helping other women as well. My brand consists of a weekly newsletter and a monthly vlog designed to motivate and inspire women over 60 to thrive in older age through knowledge and self-awareness. I’m also in the process of formulating an idea called The Skylark Sessions that would be in-person discussions on aging.
Weekly Newsletter - My weekly newsletter, Skylark Live Town News, features articles about human interest, nature, general observations, inspiration, motivation, music, places I've been to, and ideas I want to explore. I represent Bay Shore and towns beyond. There is also a calendar of events. I throw in Italian words, too, because I love the language and all things Italian. Bella Italia! As a paying subscriber, you will receive my newsletter each Wednesday morning in your email. That gives you a head's up. You can also advertise your business or event on my newsletter. Just click this link to subscribe: For updates, subscribe to our free newsletter!
Monthly Vlog - My first Monday-of-the month vlog, 60 and Beyond with Skylark, is a recap of what I've written about in my newsletters throughout the previous month. I then introduce a unique topic for the current month's vlog. My vlog is recorded and posted on my YouTube channel as well as on my Patreon account and my social media sites. Just click my YouTube channel link below to subscribe: (736) Skylark Live - YouTube
WHERE TO FOLLOW AND SUPPORT ME ON PATREON AND SOCIAL MEDIA
Patreon - This is where you can support my brand for just $5 a month. This enables me to carve out time to write my newsletters, create my vlogs and to expand my brand. Just click the link below: www.patreon.com/SkylarkLive
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Thank you for your love and support. Apprezza la giornata. Cherish the day. Saluti! Cheers!
