Hanami

Hanami

Intangible Heritage

Hanami, otherwise known as flower viewing, is the Japanese tradition of observing the annual bloom of flowers – specifically those from cherry and plum trees. This is an example of intangible cultural heritage normally practiced between the end of March and early May when cherry trees bloom across Japan. Participants normally engage in large gatherings at public parks to view the cherry blossoms and through smaller flower viewing events such as picnics with seasonal foods. The tradition originated during the eight century Nara period as a means of honouring Shinto deities. Consequently, hanami may be said to have wider importance to all practitioners of Shinto globally. Climate change has begun to negatively impact the practice of this intangible cultural heritage. This may be observed in the increasingly erratic blooming of the cherry trees due to changing seasonal temperatures. This makes it harder for the population to plan events around the blooming of the flowers and thereby engage with the tradition. Additionally, warmer weather coupled with milder winters have aided invasive species of pests harmful to cherry trees, decreasing their numbers. Of note is that the increased temperature combined with pollution projected to lead to widespread tree die-off in 50-100 years.

is51102023

Naveen

English

Intangible

717

02/05/2023

02/05/2023

Peters, S., (2017) “Land of rising temperatures: The cultural effects of climate change in Japan”, Japan Today, 25th April [Online]. Available at https://japantoday.com/category/features/opinions/land-of-rising-temperatures-the-cultural-effects-of-climate-change-in-japan (Accessed 2nd May 2023).

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