Cherry Blossoms

My favorite flower.  They are so dainty, simple and elegant.  Something about their pale coloration draws my eye to their tiny petals.  They make their trees look as if they are floating on a cloud of light pink, which is probably why the Japanese use them as a symbol for clouds.  It is a shame they only bloom for about a week before falling to the ground.

Even if the blossom is not a national symbol here like it is in Japan, Americans do not fail to see their beauty.  Japan has generously gifted thousands of trees to the United States over the years.  If one is lucky enough to attend a Cherry Blossom Festival the beauty is sure to impress.

If you're paying attention you will notice the blossoms are everywhere nowadays.  From sashimi to home decor the blossom image is present.  It is a favorite subject for artists, and there are representations in every form of painting/sculpting/etc.  The photos above represent many of the facets in which one can find the blossoms today.  If I ever get married I think I need a cherry blossom cake!

Sources

1. http://www.theceruleangallery.com/Spec_Caroline%20Crockett%20Pickton/Cherry%20Blossoms%204.jpg
2. http://www.lauracaseyinteriors.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/WashingtonDC-Cherry-Blossoms-2.jpg
3. http://www.lauracaseyinteriors.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Fuji_Japan_-_Cherry_Blossoms_and_Mount-1024x768.jpg
4. http://foryournursery.com/Documents/Graco%20Gear%20Cherry%20Blossom%20Pattern.jpg
5. http://www.iranian.com/main/files/blogimages/Cherry%20blossoms%20blooming%20HirosakiCastle.jpg
6. http://www.redbubble.com/images/
7. http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTcXKxzjSDkEyQSHZt3yTitgMoy0GKZq_IA9Jk_QxeaPPeaifnS
8. http://www.babymania.com/images/cherry%20blossoms%20by%20kidsline.jpg
9. http://www.alphamom.com/legacy/last-weekend/Last_weekend_cherry_blossoms.jpg
10. http://www.pal-art.com/images/art/cherry_blossoms.jpg
11. http://www.redbubble.com/images/
12. http://static.weddingandcakes.com/wcakes/2010/12/cherry-blossom-wedding-cake-toppers-2.jpg
13. http://s5.thisnext.com/media/largest_dimension/A4E4F06B.jpg
14. http://26.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_li9nexZ53V1qb62c4o1_400.jpg 
15. 15. http://www.bestkisses.com/images/2008/04/20/sakurakiss.jpg 
16. 16. http://farm1.static.flickr.com/206/473190611_a579f63e3d.jpg 
17. 17. http://ny-image2.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.134479086.jpg 
18. 18. http://pics.livejournal.com/mybentolunch/pic/00001682/s320x240