DigitalHygge proposes that March 27th henceforth be known as National Cherry Blossom Day, commemorating the simple ceremony on that date in 1912 when First Lady Helen Herron Taft and Viscountess Chinda, wife of the Japanese ambassador, planted the first two cherry trees on the north bank of the Tidal Basin in West Potomac Park, Washington, D.C.
Despite its origins in U.S. history, we invite all fans of this beautiful tree to celebrate the cherry blossom on this day.
The much-needed National Cherry Blossom Day serves multiple important purposes:
- it honors the historical significance of the original planting ceremony, highlighting the act of diplomacy and the strong bonds between Japan and the United States.
- designating this day as National Cherry Blossom Day provides an opportunity to celebrate the intrinsic beauty of the cherry trees themselves, whose delicate blossoms symbolize the fleeting yet profound nature of life.
- Lastly, this day offers an annual opportunity for cultural exchange and education, deepening the public’s understanding of Japanese culture and the shared values that unite diverse communities.
Together, we can make March 27 a beautiful day when people all over the world can celebrate the cherry blossom, appreciating not only its historical significance but also its intrinsic beauty and the profound, fleeting nature of its blossoms. This day would unite us in reflection and admiration for the delicate splendor of these trees and the enduring friendship they represent.
How to Celebrate National Cherry Blossom Day
Let’s face it, there’s no better symbol of spring’s rejuvenation than the delicate cherry blossom. National Cherry Blossom Day is a day dedicated to celebrating these ephemeral flowers, a day where the ephemeral beauty of cherry blossoms is honored and enjoyed in myriad creative ways. There are many ways one can celebrate it, but if you need ideas, here are five unique ways to make the most of this delightful day:
Cherry Blossom Photography Contest
For those who love photography, organizing a cherry blossom photography contest could be a fun and creative way to celebrate. Participants can submit their best photos of cherry blossoms, whether from local parks, their own gardens, or even previous travels to famous cherry blossom locations. Prizes can be awarded for various categories, such as best overall photo, most creative shot, and best use of light.
Picnic Under the Blossoms
One of the most traditional ways to celebrate National Cherry Blossom Day would be to have a picnic under the blooming cherry trees. Gather friends and/or family, bring a blanket, and enjoy a meal surrounded by the delicate pink flowers. Traditional Japanese foods like sushi, onigiri, and matcha tea could add an authentic touch to the celebration. This serene setting allows for relaxation and appreciation of nature’s beauty.
Cultural Workshops and Performances
Hosting workshops and performances that highlight Japanese culture can add depth to the celebration. Activities could include calligraphy sessions, tea ceremonies, and traditional music and dance performances. These events can educate attendees about the cultural significance of cherry blossoms in Japan and provide an immersive cultural experience.
Cherry Blossom Crafting
A crafting session can be a delightful way to engage children and adults alike in the celebration. Crafts could include making paper cherry blossoms, painting cherry blossom scenes, or creating cherry blossom-themed decorations. To see what could be done, why not start by watching this video showing how to make artificial cherry blossom flowers?
Virtual Cherry Blossom Tour
For those who cannot visit cherry blossom sites in person, a virtual tour can bring the experience to them. Utilizing online platforms, you can host a virtual tour of famous cherry blossom locations around the world, such as Washington D.C., Tokyo, and Kyoto. We highly recommend this video by the YouTube channel Trip Hacks DC where you see the most famous Washington, D.C. cherry blossom sights including the cherry blossoms at Tidal Basin, Jefferson Memorial, FDR Memorial and MLK Memorial. The tour guide is super-knowledgable and provides a lot of fascinating insights about the U.S. capital as you revel in the stunning colors of the cherry blossoms.
When Is National Cherry Blossom Day?
Ready to celebrate beauty of cherry blossoms? Here are the dates and weekdays for National Cherry Blossom Day. Mark your calendars and prepare to be enchanted by the blossoms’ breathtaking beauty!
| Year | Date |
|---|---|
| 2024 | March 27, Wednesday |
| 2025 | March 27, Thursday |
| 2026 | March 27, Friday |
| 2027 | March 27, Saturday |
| 2028 | March 27, Monday |
| 2029 | March 27, Tuesday |
| 2030 | March 27, Wednesday |
Before You Go:
We have many more national days lists for you to explore.
- Food-related national days: complete list of national food days, pasta & noodles days, vegan & vegetarian days, mushroom days, ice-cream days, pizza days, coffee days, chocolate days, wine days, alcohol & drinking days.
- Non-food national days: National Days Calendars 2024-2025 (check out the printable calendars in my Etsy shop), National Days for Teachers, and a wide array of special lists such as cat days, dog days, animal days, cleaning & organizing days, book days, music days, family & relationships days, national days for women, stationery days and even Harry Potter days.
- Country-specific national days: Australian national days, more coming soon.
