“The creation of a thousand forests is in one acorn.”
―
During our travel in Japan, we learnt many things about the Japanese and their culture. We saw, how in spring the Japanese celebrate the beautiful cherry blossom viewing festival called Hanami, when everyone joins in to share food and sake beneath gorgeous cherry blossom trees to appreciate nature during the short-lived flowering season. In summer, apparently, during the Tanabata or the star festival, they send wishes to the Gods on Bamboo trees. In autumn, they hike up to the mountains to enjoy the cascades of the momiji leaves. Obviously, trees hold a very special significance in the lives of the Japanese.
We learnt from a local friend that of the many seasonal trees, the winter pines especially, are considered meaningful as they bear a very strong spiritual and cultural significance for the people. Kadomatsu, made of bundled pine branches are used to make traditional new year celebrations, to especially attract prosperity. The Shinto beliefs suggest that the Gods use the branches of pine trees to descend to earth, and therefore many of their spirits reside within them. Interestingly, in the grounds of every Shinto shrine, we found at least one pine tree.
Sharing today is one more from our travel collection—a gorgeous pine tree spotted in Nara, Japan.
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Joining Parul today for #thursdaytreelove which is a photo feature on her blog that brings you beautiful trees from different places every second and fourth Thursday of the month.
If you would like to play along, post a picture of a tree on your blog and link it back to her post.
12 Comments
Chandra Lynn
Lovely composition with the clouds in the background. Thanks for sharing the cultural history too!
Esha MD
Thank you, Chandra
Balaka Basu
What a beautiful tree. Is that the cherry blossom behind?? I also loved the trivia, Di. Japan is beautiful.
arv
This pine tree is distinct from the one we have in the Himalayas. So unique
Natasha
Beautiful post and such incredible facts. I was reading a book called “Shinrin Yoku” recently, also known as Forest Bathing, and therein I learned a few of these beautiful benefits you mention here, Esha.
Thank you. <3
Parul Thakur
So interesting to know the ways in which Japanese celebrate and include nature. I haven’t read about their culture so your post brings to me snippets that I wouldn’t have known any other way.
The tree is gorgeous and against the clear sky. looks beautiful. Thank you for joining!
Shilpa Gupte
SUch interesting stories from the Japanese culture! Thanks for the info, Esha!
The Pine tree does look graceful!
Esha MD
Glad you liked it, Shilpa! Thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts here. 🙂
Archana
Stunning Pine!! I feel cultural and spiritual links to the trees go a long way towards preserving and protecting them. Thanks!
Esha MD
Thank you for your appreciation, Archana.
Yes, you are right in saying that the cultural and spiritual links to nature go a lot deeper than we imagine!
Shilpa Nairy
Beautiful click against the blue sky. Good information to know about Japanese culture associated to trees.
Esha MD
Thank you, Shilpa. Glad you liked the post. 🙂