D.C.’s Cherry Blossoms Illustrate The Beauty And Fragility Of Spring

The cherry blossoms in Washington D.C. represent a moment in time that is both ephemeral and ethereal, serving as both a reminder of the passing of seasons and a symbol of hope for the coming of spring. Their century-old history is rooted in a distant conflict, with President Theodore Roosevelt acting as an intermediary in negotiations that ended the Russo-Japanese War. Washington received a gift of cherry trees from Japan following this accord, and it became part of the city’s heritage. Today, the cherry blossoms attract tourists from all over the world, and the festival celebrating their bloom has grown to last four weeks.

Symbol of Peace

The cherry blossom trees were given to the United States by Japan and its capital, Tokyo, in a display of friendship and building upon the diplomatic ties fostered during negotiations that ended the Russo-Japanese war in 1905. The first donation was destroyed due to insects, but the second donation, made in 1912, has been preserved, and their cuttings were used to protect their genetic lineage.

Springtime Tourist Trap

As Washington D.C. grew in recognition, the cherry blossoms gained in fame and status as one of the city’s top attractions. The Jefferson Memorial became a focal point for the blossoms’ spring display, and now the memorials to Franklin Roosevelt and Martin Luther King Jr. have been added to the list of attractions. The festival that began in 1935, now lasts four weeks and attracts thousands of visitors, turning the cherry blossoms into a big business for the city’s merchants.

Fragrant but Fleeting

Despite the month-long festivities surrounding the cherry blossoms, their bloom lasts a short time. Meteorologists and horticulturalists work together to predict the days of “peak bloom”, the time when the trees have flowered, but before the leaves have grown out and the blossoms fall to the ground. However, many factors, including air, sunlight, and soil conditions can affect “peak bloom,” and weather can often be unpredictable at this time of year. Furthermore, COVID-19 restrictions have impacted international tourism, affecting the number of people who can enjoy the displays of spring.

Enjoy It While You Can

The cherry blossoms’ fleeting nature reminds us that spring, like all seasons of life, does not last forever. As Robert Herrick writes in his poem “To The Virgins, To Make Much of Time”, we should gather the cherry blossoms while we can, and enjoy the beauty of this moment. So, as we look to the future with hope and optimism, let us appreciate the natural beauty that surrounds us today.