Singapore

[The origin of Hanami is the custom of nobles]
In Japan the origin of enjoying the beauty of Cherry Blossoms goes back to Nara period (Year 710-793). They say that the origin of Hanami is the custom of nobles and people used to enjoy the plum trees that came from China. Later people started to enjoy cherry blossoms instead in Heian period (Year 794 - 1185).

[Plum trees to Cherry Blossoms- Change of Hanami style]
In Nara period, the flower indicated Plum trees but it became cherry blossoms in Heian period. Although this reason is not clear, one says that cherry blossoms was planted instead of the plum tree when there was a fire in the imperial palace. Also it is believed that cherry blossoms was chosen rather than the plum trees for developing the original culture.

[It was Edo period when Hanami became the custom among the common people.]
It was Edo period (Year 1603-1868) when Hanami became popular among the common people. the 8th shogun of the Tokugawa shogunate, Yoshimune TOKUGAWA (1716-1745) encouraged people to enjoy cherry blossoms viewing by having made cherry blossoms planted in many spots. Hanami quickly became the popular activity in spring among the common people in Edo who did not have much entertainments. Already from this time, Hanami was celebrated with Bento (Lunch Box) and Sake in popular Hanami spots.

[Why is Cherry blossoms so admired?]
All the flowers of cherry trees bloom in the almost same time and fall in just 5 to 7 days. The cherry blossoms is admired because it blooms and falls in such a short time so this divine beauty and transience of the blooms must be the best fits for the sensitivity of Japanese people. The other reason Japanese people admire Cherry blossoms could be the blossoming of cherry trees symbolize the arrival of spring.