BRILLIANT BLOSSOM

WHEN CHERRY BLOSSOM — SAKURA — BRIGHTENS UP JAPAN IN SPRING, LOCALS CELEBRATE WITH PICNICS AND FESTIVALS. BUT IT’S NOT THE ONLY NATION WITH EXTRAVAGANT FLORAL FESTIVITIES. WORDS: AMELIA DUGGAN

Flower-viewing has its roots in the court of Emperor Saga, during the Heian period in the ninth century. During this time, Japan’s elite — inspired by the Chinese Tang Dynasty’s love of plum blossoms — would recite poetry under the cheery trees in celebration of their blossom