In traditional Japanese thought, the time of ohanami, or viewing of the cherry blossoms, reminds one of the paradoxically fleeting yet enduring nature of life, which is symbolized in the single moment when a cherry blossom petal detaches itself to float earthward.  In contemporary Japan, friends joyfully gather whenever the cherry trees, called sakura, blossom.  They meet to celebrate and to recognize friendship, the beauty of sakura, and good cheer under the boughs. 

In traditional Japanese thought, the time of ohanami, or viewing of the cherry blossoms, reminds one of the paradoxically fleeting yet enduring nature of life, which is symbolized in the single moment when a cherry blossom petal detaches itself to float earthward.  In contemporary Japan , friends joyfully gather whenever the cherry trees, called sakura, blossom.  They meet to celebrate and recognize friendship, the beauty of sakura, and good cheer under the boughs.  The Sakura Festival of 2006 gives us the opportunity to remind ourselves of the importance of Yujo/Friendship throughout the year.

Our own Sakura Festival reminds many in Alabama of fresh beginnings and the renewal of the spirit that comes with friendship.  Thus, though we can never be sure when our cherry trees will blossom, we do know that the 2006 Sakura Festival will bring us mutual friendship and understanding through its varied events and activities.