Konnichi-wa from Nippon! Haru (spring) has surely sprung and everyone is out for hanami--flower viewing, or gazing at sakura (cherry blossoms).
This ancient practice has its roots in shinto, the Japanese belief in animism and ancestral worship. Since Heian times, Japanese royalty would spend long hours in gorgeously kept gardens meditating over these beautiful blossoms.
Today, everyone in Japan is allowed to view these exquisite flowers that only stay in bloom a few weeks--usually beginning in March, but sometimes later in April. Because of sakura's short lifespan, Japanese really appreciate them while they're around--much in the same way we should feel about our loved ones. Life is fleeting, as they say.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hanami
So, here are some sakura to remind you to stay in spirit and love your loved ones.
Don't forget to check out Gypsy Stars on Facebook and like our page, The Urban Goddess. And, of course, we have t-shirts:
http://www.cafepress.com/t_zing
Until next quarter...
Good luck, light and love.
Gypsy Stars
http://www.gypsystars.com
