The most beautiful is Hanami, Literally "flower viewing". As the spring approaches, all the meteorologist and media start following the state of trees in various areas. There are some benchmarks, for deciding the best flower viewing days in each areas. All TV news and programs revolve around these subject. They keep talking about where the buds are seen and where flowers can be seen in their best, and whether the rain will ruin the blossom this year.
The first visitor is plum blossom, Ume no Hana. Beautiful pink, red or white colored flowers bloom on bare trees in hundreds of numbers. They looks as if they are directly stuck to the trunk. The area fills with beautiful mild heavenly aroma. It's a sign of life after dry deadly cold winter. It rejuvenates mind and body. Birds chirp around. The Japanese white eye (Mejiro) on plum flowers is the perfect symbol of Spring in japanese culture.
Following is the grand entry of cherry blossoms - Sakura. Beautiful, light pink, delicate flowers come in thousands. The trees gets completely covered with pink flowers and is no longer bare. The little delicate flowers are attached to delicate stem. The flowers and petals shade with slightest breeze. They cover the area below and around the trees. and flows on the little streets and parks. Floats on the waters of lakes and streams. Everything becomes pink. People go to park in Kimonos and good dresses and have party under those trees. The petals fall down in the foods and drinks, and people enjoys them. A romantic feelings soothes your soul.
Every year , I go out to enjoy and photograph these flowers. I envy people, who has a beautiful big Sakura tree in their front garden. The veranda , the car parked in front, roof of the house everything is proud of their new pink velvety soft shawl.
I used to like Sakura flowers more than plum flowers always. It was this year, that I see a heart touching scene during plum blossom & felt plum flowers prettier.
I went to a Ume park during the season. It was a long walk the cold breezy day to reach the park. I got myself in the park. No doubt it was very beautiful, but it was not that big as I expected. Generally Saukura parks are very large, but Ume parks I have seen have always been smaller. I walked around the park creating photos. And then I saw it. A very old lady, she had came with a companion , most probably from paid helper service. She was trying to bring the flowers close to old lady, and the old lady was trying to smell them , lightly touching them. Her face was filled with a happiness. Then I realized the lady was blind. It was a complete shock to me. I never thought a blind person would come to park to enjoy the flowers. I certainly don't say that they should not, but I just never give it a thought before. I could see the old lady's face lightened up each time she touches and smells the flowers. And I could see some old memories attached to these flowers and fragrance lit her face, as if she was in those day, may be her youth. Those are treasures for her now.
I just stood there watching her. Strangely I did not take any photo of her, and then left the park. Even now when I always think about it a strange feeling wraps around my mind and I know I do not want to forget that scene ever.
Plum flowers are more prettier for me now. They have fragrance and can please anyone and everyone.
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