Cherry Blossom Meaning in the Langauge of Flowers
Cherry blossoms are some of the most symbolically significant flowers in the world. These exquisitely beautiful blooms are one of the highlights of spring, especially in Japan. Also known as sakura, they often carry the symbolic meaning of the impermanence of life. They are also linked to the coming of spring and are representative of renewal. In Japan, the Cherry blossom is also a symbol of beauty and is classed as the unofficial national flower.
Etymological Meaning
In Japan, cherry blossom trees are known as sakura, which refers to flowering ornamental cherries. The genus Prunus comes from plum or prune trees, which produce stone fruits. The Latin word ‘prunus‘ is derived from the Greek word ‘prounon‘.
Cherry Blossom in Japan
Cherry blossoms are beloved for their beautiful but short-lived blooms. This creates a poignant reflection on mortality and the temporary nature of life. In Japan, the cherry blossom symbolizes a Shinto concept known as ‘mono no aware‘ – the beauty of impermanence.
Cherry blossom is synonymous with Japan, so much so that sakura is considered Japan’s unofficial national flower. Cherry blossoms also symbolize beauty due to their stunning pink and white flowers. When cherry blossoms appear en masse, they’re also considered to represent clouds.
The Japanese concept of’ natsukashi’, which focuses on the temporary nature of cherry blossoms, refers to a type of joyful but wistful nostalgia for things or times that we cannot return to. Like the fleeting cherry blossom, we’ll never experience those times again – making them even more meaningful.
Significance of Cherry Blossom in China
China also has strong associations with cherry blossom, with several native species of its own. In Chinese culture, cherry blossoms embody beauty, love, and sexuality. Cherry blossoms can also symbolize power and strength in women and are a potent symbol of female dominance.
The Meaning of Common Cherry Blossom Colors
Cherry blossoms usually emerge as stunning pink or white flowers. Both colors have several meanings, so let’s delve deeper into them.
Pink Cherry Blossom Flowers
Pink flowers like cherry blossoms are frequently associated with qualities like love and affection. Rather than purely romantic affection, pink flowers can also symbolize love for our friends and family. In Japan, pink flowers are associated with masculinity, particularly during the samurai period. Pink flowers are also sometimes linked to good health in Japanese culture.
White Cherry Blossom Flowers
White flowers have symbolic meaning in many cultures. In Western symbolism, white flowers are linked to innocence and purity. This creates obvious associations with weddings, and white flowers often feature prominently in most marriage ceremonies.
White flowers can also represent hope and rebirth. This ties in with cherry blossoms, which are seen as a traditional herald of spring. This season has been associated with rebirth and renewal for centuries.
In many Eastern cultures, white flowers are linked to death and are used in traditional mourning. Cherry blossoms reflect the impermanence of life and our inevitable mortality.
Cherry Blossom in Hanakotoba
Many cultures worldwide have their own version of floriography – commonly known as the ‘language of flowers’. Floriography uses flowers to convey particular meanings or messages, especially when given as gifts. Japanese flower language is known as hanakotoba.
Cherry blossom, or sakura as it’s known in Japan, has a range of meanings in hanakotoba. It may refer to qualities like kindness and being gentle. As a message, sakura communicates that someone is a ‘beautiful soul’ or ‘beautiful woman’.
Hanakotoba also sees cherry blossoms as symbolic of mortality and the transient nature of life. Specific varieties of cherry blossoms also embody qualities like exceptional beauty, elegance, and refinement.
Cherry blossoms can also be seen in Ikebana – the Japanese art of flower arranging.
Seasonal Meanings
Cherry blossoms bloom in spring, usually from late March to early May. As such, cherry blossoms are believed to represent rebirth and renewal – qualities traditionally associated with spring. The cherry blossom season coincides with graduation in Japanese schools – a time synonymous with new beginnings.
Suitable Gifting Occasions
Cherry blossom is appreciated worldwide for its stunning beauty and fragility. The gift of cherry blossom is always likely to be well received but is particularly suited for a few occasions.
In hanakotoba, cherry blossoms identify someone as a ‘beautiful soul’ or a ‘beautiful woman’. Pink cherry blossoms can be symbols of both platonic and romantic affection. This means a pink cherry blossom is an ideal gift for someone you care about, particularly a female partner.
White cherry blossoms can be associated with purity and innocence, making them a great choice as wedding flowers. What’s more, cherry blossoms also make beautiful spring gifts when they’re at their best.
The Final Word
The beautiful cherry blossom is one of the most treasured flowers in the world. These gorgeous pink and white flowers only bloom for a short period. Therefore, cherry blossom is a poignant metaphor for our mortality and the beautiful but impermanent nature of life. Cherry blossoms symbolize love, strength, affection for friends, and innocence.
Andrew is the Editorial Director at Petal Republic. He holds a BSc degree in Plant Sciences and has trained professionally at leading floristry schools in London and Paris. In amongst overseeing a global editorial team, Andrew's a passionate content creator around all things flowers, floral design, gardening, and houseplants.